NSW Aboriginal Languages Policy
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Two hundred and fifty years ago, over seventy Aboriginal languages and dialects were spoken in NSW. Today, due to the enormous impacts on Aboriginal culture associated with European invasion, many of these languages have fallen into disuse while some have few surviving fluent speakers.
Recognising this, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, in close negotiation with key NSW and federal Aboriginal organisations, and in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training and the Office of the Board of Studies, has prepared a whole-of-government draft NSW Aboriginal Languages Policy.
The development of the policy was announced in the NSW Parliament by the Hon. Dr Andrew Refshauge, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, on 8 November 2001. (Read Minister's announcement).
The policy, which is currently in draft form, will create a framework for the NSW Government to assist Aboriginal people and communities across NSW to revive and preserve traditional languages. In doing so, the policy will be firmly based on the principles of community ownership and control, capacity-building and improved Government coordination.
As part of the policy negotiation process, the Department of Aboriginal Affairs is now seeking comments on the draft policy from all interested Aboriginal people, communities and organisations across NSW. The draft policy has been distributed widely and the DAA will be holding special regional forums to encourage discussion and feedback.
Responses are to be received by 1 November 2002. The draft policy will then be reviewed, taking all responses into account, and a final policy document will be prepared, for endorsement by Cabinet towards the end of 2002. The policy will be binding on every State agency.
For information on how you can provide feedback on the draft policy please phone 1800 674 889 or email carol.thomas@daa.nsw.gov.au.
