Released 08/08/2017
The fourth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body held its first meeting today, with members electing a Chair and undertaking induction processes at the commencement of their three year term.
The ACT’s Elected Body is a unique, democratically elected forum that directly advises government on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and I was very pleased to be present at their meeting today and to engage in initial discussions with them.
I congratulate Katrina Fanning who was elected as Chair of the body today. Katrina is a Wiradjuri woman who has lived in the ACT for 26 years. She has more than two decades experience as a public servant, including in the Senior Executive, and has a strong understanding of how government processes work. Katrina is very active in her local community, is a foster parent and sits on a number of boards.
The body consists of seven community representatives who won the support of the local community at the recent elections. Aside from Ms Fanning, the other members are Jo Chivers (Deputy Chair), Ross Fowler, Caroline Hughes, Jacob Keed, Fred Monaghan and Maurice Walker.
The Elected Body provides a strong voice for the community as it advocates for the rights, goals and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans, ensuring greater interaction between the ACT Government and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
The Government is looking forward to working with the body on the ongoing implementation of the ACT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement and to develop a replacement agreement for the period from 2018.
We believe that only by working together can we empower local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations to develop the opportunities, knowledge and skills to build a culturally strong, resilient and sustainable future.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases