I have convened a meeting of indigenous leaders and experts in Canberra on Wednesday 23 July to discuss the issue of domestic violence in indigenous communities. I want to listen to their views and, in particular, to talk to those who are providing community leadership in addressing the tragic consequences of the abuse of indigenous women and children.
I have been impressed that an increasing number of indigenous leaders have spoken out about the reasons and appalling consequences of violence and abuse within indigenous communities. I want to hear and understand their views at first hand.
It is important to emphasise that no section of the Australian community is free from domestic violence and child abuse. We must always be working to counter it wherever it occurs. But there is mounting evidence that amongst indigenous Australians the incidence of abuse within families and communities is, for a variety of reasons, higher than it is for the wider Australian community.
The occurrence of violence, and related issues of alcohol and drug abuse, is having a tragic impact on indigenous people. This deeply concerns the government. I welcome the fact that indigenous leaders are now speaking out on these difficult issues. At the local level many communities are instigating programmes to try and prevent or mitigate the appalling consequences of abuse. They deserve our support.
State Governments have an important role to play. Most of them, as well as the Commonwealth, already have programmes which address the issue. I want to consider how these government programmes could be better planned and delivered.
We all have a responsibility to act to redress this appalling situation. We are determined that out of this meeting we will initiate further action to tackle the abuse of indigenous women and children.
The issue is challenging. The problems will not be easily solved. Resources are important, but even more important is support for the community leadership necessary to bring about the behavioural change that is required.
My aim on 23 July will be to listen to the indigenous leaders attending the meeting and to explore their views. I welcome their willingness to meet the government to discuss how to stop the abuse taking place. I sincerely hope that together we can plan a better future.
The insights of indigenous leaders will help to inform the scheduled discussion on indigenous child protection with Premiers and Chief Ministers at the next Council of Australian Governments'; meeting on 29 August.
The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Amanda Vanstone, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, will also attend the meeting.
I attach a list of those invited to the meeting. At this stage most have indicated that they will be able to attend.
Dr Mick Dodson AM
-- Chairman of the Australian National University's Institute of Indigenous Australia
Jackie Huggins AM
--
Co Chair of Reconciliation Australia
Noel Pearson
--
Team leader of Cape York Partnerships
Senator Aden Ridgeway
--
Democrat Senator for New South Wales
The Hon John Ah Kit, MLC (NT)
--
Minister for Community Development, Housing, Local Government, Sport and Recreation, Regional Development and assists the Chief Minister on Indigenous Affairs in the Northern Territory Labor Government.
Commissioner Alison Anderson
--
ATSIC Commissioner for Northern Territory Central Zone
Professor Lowitja O';Donoghue AC CBE
--
Inaugural Chair of ATSIC; Professorial Fellow at Flinders University
Dr Evelyn Scott
--
Chair of the Cairns and District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Women
Associate Professor Ian Anderson
--
Deputy Director, Department of Public Health and Director of the Centre for the Study of Health and Society at the University of Melbourne, and Director of the VicHealth Koori Health Research and Community Development Unit
Kerry Arabena
--
Director, Family Planning Association
Winsome Matthews
--
Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee
Tammy Williams
--
Lawyer employed by DPP in Queensland; Member of Senator Vanstone';s Indigenous Women';s Advisory Group.
Mary Ann Bin-Sallik
--
Dean, Faculty of Indigenous Research and Education, Northern Territory University
Bonnie Robertson
--
Chair of Queensland Government Indigenous Women';s Taskforce on Violence
Muriel Cadd
--
Director of the Aboriginal Child Care Agency in Victoria.
Miriam Rose-Bauman --
Principal, Daly River Primary School