Aboriginal Affairs administers the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, providing accurate, timely and comprehensive input into government policy development.
Our vision is to see Aboriginal people exercise and pursue their right and capacity to determine their political, economic, social and cultural development as the first people of NSW.
The role of Aboriginal Affairs is to advance the wellbeing of the Aboriginal people of NSW by:
- promoting social justice and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- cultivating strong partnerships with Aboriginal communities, organisations and advocates
- creating greater Aboriginal economic participation and wealth generation
- driving Aboriginal involvement in policy development and service delivery
- monitoring and evaluating government policies and programs to ensure they are meeting the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people in closing the gap on Aboriginal disadvantage in NSW
- promoting positive images of Aboriginal people and communities by supporting positive Aboriginal role models, leadership opportunities and inclusive community governance models.
Application for Access to Information Under the Government Information Act
Ministerial Taskforce on Aboriginal Affairs
The Ministerial Taskforce on Aboriginal Affairs has been established to produce a new Aboriginal affairs strategy in 2012. It will include concrete reforms around the following Terms of Reference:
- to improve service delivery and accountability in Aboriginal affairs, with particular consideration of the recommendations of the Auditor General’s report on Two Ways Together, and other arising reports;
- to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal people in NSW; and
- to improve employment outcomes for Aboriginal people in NSW.
NSW Government Employment and Economic Development Programs
On 9 June 2011, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs announced a review of the effectiveness of NSW Government Aboriginal employment and economic development programs. The Allen Consulting Group were commissioned to undertake this review and have released a report on their findings.
The review was overseen by representatives of the NSW and Australian Governments and a peak Aboriginal employment organisation.
The final report of the review can be accessed here.
The review’s recommendations will be considered by the Ministerial Taskforce on Aboriginal Affairs. Further information on the Taskforce can be accessed here.
The Department of Family and Community Services Annual Report 2010/11 is now ava
This is the combined annual report for the department, and covers that the period before Aboriginal Affairs became part of the Department of Education and Communities. It outlines progress towards integrating services to deliver better outcomes for clients and highlights key achievements for the reporting period.
NSW 2021 - A Plan to Make NSW Number One
NSW 2021 is a 10 year plan to rebuild the economy, return quality services, renovate infrastructure, strengthen our local environment and communities and restore accountability to Government.
Review of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983
On 5 December 2011, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs announced a review of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA).
A specialist working group has been formed including representatives from the Aboriginal community to review the ALRA.
The Terms of Reference of the review are to:
- Inquire into and make general recommendations as to whether the aims and objectives of the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (the Act) require expansion or change of the Act in light of developments since 1983.
- Inquire into and make recommendations as to whether administrative and operational provisions within the Act require any change to facilitate and improve the efficacy of the Act.
- Report all findings and recommendations by 1 November 2012 incorporating public responses following a period of public consultation.
The working group will report its findings and any recommendations to the Minister on 1 November 2012.
The Aboriginal Land Rights Amendment (Housing) Bill 2011 was passed by the NSW Parliament on 8 November 2011 and gained the Governor’s assent on 16 November 2011. The amendments commenced on assent and will improve the management of Local Aboriginal Land Council housing.
Specifically, the amendments:
- Remove the requirement for resolutions of members of Local Aboriginal Land Councils in the entering, management and termination of residential tenancy agreements;
- Provide for the full management and control of such tenancy agreements as a day to day function of Boards of Local Aboriginal Land Councils; and
- Provide for the delegation of such function to Chief Executive Officers of those Councils.
MPRAP Regional Partnership Agreement
Please click here to read the entire agreement
Making It Our Business
The MIOB Policy and Strategic Framework is the Government's key strategy to increase the employment, professional learning and career development of Aboriginal people in the NSW public sector. A recent survey of agencies indicates that MIOB is under-utilised in the sector. The MIOB Consultation Forums will provide an opportunity for Aboriginal employees, their supervisors and Human Resource Managers from across the NSW public sector to progress the next phase of MIOB through an MIOB action plan.
Aboriginal Participation in Construction Guidelines
The Aboriginal participation in Construction Guidelines was re-published in a simplified format to promote their greater use. Through these guidelines the NSW Government is creating employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in the private sector. Under the Guidelines, NSW Government agencies can require construction companies engaged on government-funded construction activities to include Aboriginal people in those projects by employing Aboriginal staff, or by sub-contracting to Aboriginal enterprises.
Government Response to the Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce
If you would like to download a copy of the NSW Government's response to the report from the Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce please follow this link.
