Recommendation 91
Ensure that indigenous peoples are consulted when considering the viability of remote communities, and that those affected by closures of communities receive transitional support and unimpeded access to ancestral lands.
State
United States of America
Issue
Consultation
Remote Indigenous communities
Population group
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Australian Government Agency and/or Jurisdiction
• Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
• States and territories
• States and territories
Australia's Response
Notes (will further consider)
Australia's Position
The Australian Government has no intention or power to close remote communities. The Australian Government is committed to consulting with communities over matters that affect them and recognises Indigenous peoples' cultural connections to their land. The Australian Government is working to support remote communities through targeted strategies and details can be found on the Indigenous Advancement Strategy page on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.
State and territory governments have responsibility for delivering municipal services to remote communities.
For information on state and territory policies and programmes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, visit:
- Australian Capital Territory – Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
- New South Wales – Office of Communities—Aboriginal Affairs
- Northern Territory – Office of Aboriginal Affairs
- Queensland – Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
- South Australia – Department of Premier and Cabinet, Aboriginal Community Advice and Support
- Tasmania – Department of Premier and Cabinet, Office of Aboriginal Affairs
- Victoria – Department of Premier and Cabinet, Aboriginal Victoria
- Western Australia – Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage