Appendix 1: Chronology of events relating to the administration of Indigenous affairs, 1 July 2007

Social Justice Report 2008

Appendix 1: Chronology of events relating to the administration of Indigenous affairs,
1 July 2007 – 30 June 2008

Date	Event/ summary of issue
1 July 2007 The Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 commenced.	The Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (the CATSI Act) was passed by the Australian Parliament in October 2006. It began on 1 July 2007, replacing the Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1976. Under the CATSI Act, laws governing Indigenous corporations have been modernised while still retaining the special measures to meet the specific needs of Indigenous peoples.^[1]
8 August 2007 International Day of the World’s Indigenous People 2007.	On 23 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People shall be observed on 9 August every year during the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People (resolution 49/214). Through the resolution that proclaimed the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People (2005-2014) (resolution 59/174, 20 December 2004), the General Assembly also decided to continue observing the International Day of Indigenous People every year during the Second Decade.^[2]
13 August 2007 Report on the Inquiry into Indigenous Employment tabled in Parliament.	The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs tabled its report of the inquiry into Indigenous Employment entitled Indigenous Australians at Work: Successful initiatives in Indigenous employment. The report contains 14 recommendations covering: construction and maintenance programs; tender requirements; Indigenous employment by small business; micro-finance; funding for mentors; education; national Indigenous cadet scheme; work experience; public servants in regional and remote areas; and private sector Indigenous employment.^[3]
17 August 2007 Northern Territory Emergency Response legislation passes through Parliament.	The following Bills (Commonwealth) passed through the Australian Parliament: Appropriation (Northern Territory National Emergency Response) (No. 1) 2007 – 2008; Appropriation (Northern Territory National Emergency Response) (No. 2) 2007 – 2008; Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Northern Territory National Emergency Response and Other Measures) 2007; Northern Territory National Emergency Response 2007; and Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Payment Reform) 2007. This Commonwealth legislation facilitated the Australian Government’s Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) to child sexual abuse in the Northern Territory (NT).^[4] It also amended existing welfare legislation to provide new welfare quarantining measures aimed at addressing child neglect and encouraging school attendance in the Northern Territory as well as in other states.^[5]
21 August 2007 The Community Development Employment Program (CDEP) in the Northern Territory will be abolished from September 2007.	The Australian Government announced that as part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response the Community Development Employment Program (CDEP) in the Northern Territory would progressively be abolished on a community by community basis, and would be replaced with ‘real jobs, training and mainstream employment programs’ from September 2007.^[6] The government announced that CDEP participants would be moved onto income support to enable a single system of quarantining to apply to welfare payments. The government stated that its aims were to stem the flow of cash going towards alcohol and substance abuse, and ensure that money meant for children’s welfare was used for that purpose.
28 August 2007 The Australian Government provides $14.6 million for Indigenous environmental projects.	The Minister for the Environment and Water Resources announced that the Australian Government will provide $14.6 million over three years to 10 Indigenous projects delivering environmental services in remote and regional Australia. This was the first payment of a four-year $47 million Working on Country programme announced in the Budget to create paid jobs for Indigenous peoples looking after country. Under these initial contracts, Indigenous Australians will work on priority environmental projects for the Australian Government.^[7]
29 August 2007 Australian Red Cross joins Corporate Leaders for Indigenous Employment Project.	The Australian Red Cross today joined the Corporate Leaders for Indigenous Employment after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Australian Government. The Australian Red Cross joined 80 of Australia’s other business leaders who have committed to the Corporate Leaders for Indigenous Employment Project.^[8]
30 August 2007 Historic agreement for 99 year lease in Northern Territory.	A 99-year lease agreement over Nguiu in the Tiwi Islands was agreed to by the Tiwi Land Trust (on behalf of traditional owners of Nguiu) and the Executive Director of Township Leasing (on behalf of the Commonwealth Government). It followed a Memorandum of Understanding between the parties in May 2007. The lease was granted under s 19A of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth). The section was part of an amendment to the Act introduced in August 2006. The term of the head lease is 99 years, to run until August 2106. Under the terms of the head lease, the Executive Director of Township Leasing also has the power to grant sub-leases. Under this Agreement the Australian Government agreed to provide: $5 million to cover the first 15 years of the lease; $1 million for health initiatives; construction of 25 new houses within the next two years; and the repair and maintenance of existing houses.^[9]
31 August 2007 Official opening of the Australian Crime Commission Darwin office.	The Minister for Justice and Customs officially opened the Darwin office of the Australian Crime Commission (ACC). The new office was established in response to an expansion of the ACC’s national criminal intelligence role in the Northern Territory, including the ACC Board approved National Indigenous Violence and Child Abuse Intelligence Task Force.^[10]
31 August 2007 $50 Million Investment for Indigenous boarding school facilities.	The Australian Government announced a $50 million boost to enhance and expand accommodation for Indigenous students. The Minister for Education, Science and Training announced state specific funding for non-government boarding schools as part of the Indigenous Boarding Infrastructure Programme.^[11]
4 September 2007 Training for Indigenous women through Shared Responsibility Agreement.	A Shared Responsibility Agreement was signed between the Australian Government and the Women's Karadi Aboriginal Corporation to enable Indigenous women in Tasmania to receive new training and skills to help prepare them to enter the workforce. The Return to Work program will aim to ensure that Indigenous women who have never been employed or are re-entering the workforce will gain the required skills and confidence to undertake paid employment. The Australian Government has invested $64,000 to purchase ten laptop computers and provide pre-employment training for the women. Karadi is a long established women's organisation with strong links to the broader community. It will nominate women to attend the course, provide a venue for the training and provide ongoing support for the women in their transition to the workforce.^[12]
6 September 2007 Funding to improve telecommunications in remote Indigenous communities.	The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts announced 35 projects totalling $1.9 million under the $36.6 million Backing Indigenous Ability telecommunications program. The projects will assist more than 130 remote Indigenous communities around Australia, like Warburton in Western Australia, Milingimbi in the Northern Territory and Boigu Island in the Torres Strait. An important aim of the program is to enable communities to develop cultural and social online content in their own language. The program will also support a range of training, from the most basic to nationally accredited courses, in 29 remote Indigenous communities across Australia. The Backing Indigenous Ability telecommunications program provides assistance with internet access, videoconferencing, IT training and skills development and Indigenous online content development. Applicants were able to apply for one or more of the different program elements depending upon the needs of their communities.^[13]
10 September 2007 Release of the report of the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Amendment (Cape York Measures) Bill 2007.	The Senate Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations and Education released its final report on the Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Amendment (Cape York Measures) Bill 2007 in which it recommended the Bill be passed. The Bill passed into law on 28 September 2007. The purpose of the law is to appropriate an additional $2 million over the 2008 program year to support the expansion of Making Up for Lost Time in Literacy (MULTILIT) and the Student Education Trusts in the communities of Coen, Hope Vale, Aurukun and Mossman Gorge in the Cape York region of Queensland. The additional funding will be used by the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership (the Institute) to support the expansion of the MULTILIT accelerated literacy program and Student Education Trusts. These measures will provide approximately 800 indigenous students with additional support. Additional funding of $8.1 million has also been approved for the years 2009-2012 and will be appropriated through subsequent legislation for the 2009-2012 Indigenous Education Quadrennium.^[14]
13 September 2007 United Nations adopts Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.	The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly by an overwhelming majority. 143 Member States voted in favour, 11 abstained and four States – Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States – voted against the text. A non-binding text, the Declaration sets out the individual and collective rights of indigenous peoples, including their rights to culture, identity, language, employment, health, education and other issues. The Declaration emphasises the rights of indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions and to pursue their development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations. It also prohibits discrimination against indigenous peoples and promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them, and their right to remain distinct and to pursue their own visions of economic and social development. The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues estimates there are more than 370 million indigenous people in some 70 countries worldwide. Members of the Forum said earlier this year that the Declaration creates no new rights and does not place indigenous peoples in a special category.^[15]
14 September 2007 Northern Territory National Emergency Response Amendment (Alcohol) Act 2007(Cth) passes.	The Northern Territory National Emergency Response Amendment (Alcohol) Act 2007 (Cth) passed into law. The law made amendments to consolidate the alcohol measures in the Northern Territory Emergency Response Act 2007. The amendments: change the 1,350ml trigger for seeking and recording details for takeaway alcohol sales to reduce the complexity of the provision; make changes to clarify the storage of records of takeaway purchases; provide certain exceptions to the alcohol offences in relation to tourism operations in parks and other areas if declared; provide for the alcohol measures to be determined not to apply in a particular area if warranted, for example, where comprehensive and effective local management measures are implemented; and make clear that no past or future Northern Territory legislation undermines the emergency response alcohol measures.^[16]
15 September 2007 New alcohol restrictions to take effect in the Northern Territory.	Alcohol bans came into effect in the Northern Territory as part of the Australian Government's Emergency response to child abuse in Aboriginal communities. The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs explained that alcohol is banned on Aboriginal land and community living areas, in all town camps and other areas. There will be penalties for anyone possessing, transporting or drinking alcohol in these areas, and heavier penalties if people are found to be running alcohol into these places and anyone who buys larger amounts of take away alcohol will need to show identification and have their details recorded. This will involve purchases of $100 or more, or if more than five litres of cask or flagon wine is purchased. Tourism operators in National Parks will be able to continue to offer responsible alcohol consumption as part of their usual tourism activity. Special arrangements will be put in place at Uluru.^[17]
18 September 2007 Funding for major Indigenous housing projects announced.	The Minister for Indigenous Affairs announced a further $514 million in funding for Indigenous housing, accommodation and related services in the Northern Territory. This commitment is on top of the $279 million in funding already allocated to the Northern Territory by the Australian Government for Indigenous housing and related services. Funds will be used to repair and upgrade existing houses, and to construct new houses, as well as creating training and employment opportunities for local Indigenous communities. The funding, under the new Australian Remote Indigenous Accommodation Programme for use in the Northern Territory over the next four years, forms a large part of the $1.6 billion commitment by the Australian Government for the reform of Indigenous housing which was announced in the Budget.^[18]
18 September 2007 Additional funding for Northern Territory emergency response measures.	The Australian Government announced that it will provide $740 million in funding for several initiatives in 2007-08 and into future years, highlighting the Government's long-term commitment to the Northern Territory Emergency Response. These measures support an agreement reached between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments on housing, health, jobs and education for Indigenous children and families in the NT. The new measures are: $18.5 million over two years from 2008-09 for 66 additional Australian Federal Police officers; $514 million (additional funding) to repair and build housing in remote communities over the next four years; $100 million over two years from 2008-09 for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and specialist services; $78.2 million over three years to create jobs in Australian Government service delivery; and up to $30 million over three years to match on a dollar for dollar basis contributions by the NT Government to assist them to convert CDEP positions supporting NT and local government services into real jobs. The funding was provided on the basis that the NT Government agreed to certain conditions including a radical overhaul of the way it delivers Commonwealth funded housing programs. The NT Government will ensure that sufficient classrooms, equipment and teachers will be provided to cope with an anticipated increase in school enrolments and attendance as welfare reform measures are introduced.^[19]
19 September 2007 $11 million to be spent on Indigenous boarding school upgrades.	The Australian Government announced that Indigenous students across the Northern Territory and Queensland will benefit from more than $11 million in boarding school upgrades. The funding will be divided between three boarding schools with longstanding requirements to repair, replace or expand their facilities to meet the needs of Indigenous students. The colleges will also provide transitional accommodation to support students from remote communities to adjust to boarding.^[20]
20 September 2007 Galarrwuy Yunupingu secures agreement to negotiate 99 year lease on NT Aboriginal Land.	Galarrwuy Yunupingu secured an agreement to negotiate a 99 year lease on Northern Territory Aboriginal Land at the community of Gunyangara (Ski Beach) in North East Arnhem Land. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Australian Government and Galarrwuy Yunupingu on behalf of the Gumatj clan.^[21]
21 September 2007 Planning for Indigenous child care services.	The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs launched the Australian Governments’ Indigenous Child Care Services Plan at the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) conference in Adelaide. The primary focus of the Indigenous Child Care Services Plan is to increase the participation of Indigenous children and families in high quality, culturally responsive children's services, including child care. There is an accompanying summary document, Towards an Indigenous Child Care Services Plan, which was compiled following consultations about child care needs with Indigenous families and communities throughout Australia, which was also launched today. The findings contained in the summary document were used to inform the development of several measures announced in the 8 May 2007 Budget, including: The Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children - analysis of pathways of child development and impact of policy and program changes ($8.9 million). Expanding Playgroup Services - strengthen the delivery and effectiveness of Intensive Support Playgroups in high cost locations ($13.8 million). Improved Access to Early Childhood Services and Child Care - establish 20 new Innovative Child Care Services Hubs in regional and remote communities with high Indigenous populations ($23.5 million). Other recent initiatives to assist Indigenous families' access child care were also informed by the findings of the consultations, including: A 20 per cent increase in base funding to Budget Based Funded (BBF) child care services, including Multifunctional Aboriginal Children's Services (MACS), Mobile Child Care services, JET Creches, Indigenous Playgroups and some Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) services (to a total of $45.5 million). A one-off equipment grant of up to $20,000 in addition to base funding for these BBF services. Existing child care services will receive extra financial support to improve the quality of their services and access mainstream funding ($23.5 million).^[22]
24 September 2007 National Indigenous Council (NIC) Report released.	The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs received the latest report from the National Indigenous Council on its activities and achievements from January – June 2007.^[23] In 2007 the Council prepared two policy papers: Enhancing Indigenous Economic Independence; and Accessing Services in My Community (Mainstreaming).
25 September 2007 More than $1 million awarded to Indigenous Australians for research.	The Australian Government announced that Indigenous Australian researchers from five universities will share in $1.12 million over three years to undertake projects in areas such as Indigenous education, violence prevention, climate change and reconciliation through sport, under the Australian Government’s Discovery Indigenous Researchers Development scheme.^[24]
26 September 2007 Australian Government funding for Indigenous communities in north west Western Australia.	The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs announced a multi million dollar package of assistance in response to the reported incidence of child abuse in Indigenous communities in far north Western Australia. This package is in addition to $20 million provided to the WA Government for three multifunction police facilities (at Burringurah, Looma and Wingellina) and for police accommodation at Bidyadanga. The key elements of the package are: $7 million for a new Family Violence Service hub and outreach model which will deliver services including family violence counselling to women and children, early intervention and counselling for men and boys, referral services and outreach workers in communities; Additional health checks in the East Kimberley, focusing initially on Halls Creek; $857,000 to Warmun, Balgo and Kalumburu to run programs to educate communities on appropriate behaviours, and to support community safety and responsibility; $808,000 for early childhood education services, and improved antenatal and postnatal health programs; and Up to $1 million, in addition to a WA Government contribution, for a new Innovative Child Care Services Hub at Halls Creek.^[25]
26 September 2007 New remote police stations in Western Australia.	The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs announced a $20 million agreement to build new police facilities in four Indigenous communities across Western Australia. The Australian Government had previously contributed $1.9 million towards the construction of police multifunction centres and police accommodation in Western Australia, including contributing to police facilities in the Kimberley at Balgo, Warmun, Kalumburu and Jigalong in the Pilbara.^[26]
1 October 2007 Housing and Welfare Reform Agreement for Yarrabah, QLD.	The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs signed an agreement with the Mayor of Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, and the Chair of the Yarrabah Community Justice Group, to provide $14 million to the north Queensland Indigenous community for new housing and welfare reform measures. The key elements of the agreement are: A commitment to long term welfare reform in Yarrabah; Housing upgrades to be provided to people who move to normal public housing tenancy arrangements, pay market rent, uphold tenancy conditions and look after their houses; Families who commit to an income management scheme for payment of rent and general day to day management of income, and make sure their children attend school will be eligible for additional housing upgrades; and Once the Queensland Government legislates land tenure changes to allow for private home ownership, funding will provided for new housing for home ownership within the community, with 40 new blocks to be developed. New houses are to be built on 20 of those blocks for rent and then purchase by residents, and the other 20 blocks available for sale for people to build their own homes.^[27]
8 October 2007 $2.3 million for Indigenous environment projects.	The Australian Government announced that $2.3 million funding would be committed to Indigenous Working on Country contracts. Some of the activities funded through the contracts include combating weeds of national significance, improving habitat for threatened and endangered flora, reducing soil and water salinity and protecting important Aboriginal art sites.^[28] More information on the Working on Country programme is available online at: http://www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/workingoncountry/index.html
10 October 2007 Scitech to enhance Indigenous students’ learning opportunities.	The Minister for Education, Science and Training announced a $350,000 science education program to support the work of Scitech Outreach programs with Indigenous students.^[29] The funding will assist children in remote Aboriginal communities to participate in the Western Australian resources boom through enhanced learning opportunities.
11 October 2007 Housing and Welfare Reform Agreement for Palm Island.	The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs announced $14 million for a new housing and welfare strategy for Queensland’s Indigenous community of Palm Island. The agreement is similar to the Hope Vale and the Yarrabah agreements signed in 2007. The key elements of the agreement are: a commitment to long term welfare reform; normal public housing tenancy arrangements, including market rent for housing and stronger tenancy conditions; families who commit to an income management scheme for payment of rent and general day to day management of income, and make sure their children attend school, will be eligible for housing upgrades, and; up to 20 new homes will be built and a new 40 lot subdivision developed.^[30]
18 October 2007 New Indigenous housing report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.	A new report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that Indigenous home ownership is increasing, and other areas of Indigenous housing are also showing improvement. Areas of concern that remain include: Over one third households in Indigenous Community Housing were overcrowded in 2006. 51 dwellings in Indigenous communities had no organised sewerage system and 85 had no organised electricity supply. In addition, 30% (6,674) of Indigenous Community Housing dwellings were in poor condition. The report also highlights increased access to social housing. The proportion of Indigenous households in public housing increased from 5.9% to 6.3%, and the proportion of Indigenous households in receipt of Commonwealth Rent Assistance increased from 2.4% to 3.2%. Since 2001 the number of Indigenous housing organisations has fallen from about 600 to just fewer than 500 in 2006, partly due to rationalisations. There were 166,671 Indigenous households in 2006, representing 2.3% of all Australian households.^[31]
19 October 2007 Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Amendment Regulations 2007 (No. 1) come into effect.	The Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Amendment Regulations 2007 (No. 1) (Cth) make provision for an increase in the amounts that may be payable to organisations, institutions and individuals under section 14A of the Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Act 2000 (Cth) in order to supplement the cost of delivering educational services to Indigenous students for the period 1 January 2007 to 30 June 2009. The Regulations are available online at: http://www.frli.gov.au/ComLaw/Legislation/ LegislativeInstrument1.nsf/ 0/F078EA56E517A175CA25737800018159/ $file/0717525A071005EV.pdf.
24 November 2007 Change of Australian Government.	The Australian Labor Party won the Federal election with a national swing of 5.7%. Kevin Rudd is the new Prime Minister of Australia.
29 November 2007 Prime Minister announces the new Cabinet and Ministry.	The Prime Minister announced his new Ministry. Jenny Macklin is appointed as Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Robert McClelland is the Attorney-General.^[32]
14 December 2007 Oral Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children – report by Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.	The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released the report Oral Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children which reported levels of dental decay have increased among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in recent years, particularly among those aged less than seven years. The report shows that poor dental health, including dental decay, is more common among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children than other children, and that Indigenous children who are less well off and those in rural and remote areas are most affected.^[33]
20 December 2007 Council of Australian Governments’ Meeting.	The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) held its 20th meeting in Melbourne. In addition to the Prime Minister, Premiers, Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Commonwealth and State and Territory Treasurers also attended. COAG agreed to a new model of cooperation underpinned by more effective working arrangements. COAG identified seven areas for its 2008 work agenda: Health and Ageing; Productivity Agenda – including education, skills, training and early childhood; Climate Change and Water; Infrastructure; Business Regulation and Competition; Housing; and Indigenous Reform. COAG established seven working groups each overseen by a Commonwealth Minister. COAG also agreed to the terms of reference for each of the groups. To drive reforms, COAG agreed that it would meet four times in 2008. COAG also agreed the 17 year gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians must be closed. COAG agreed to a partnership between all levels of government to work with Indigenous communities to achieve the target of closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage. COAG committed to: closing the life expectancy gap within a generation; halving the mortality gap for children under five within a decade; and halving the gap in reading, writing and numeracy within a decade.^[34]
31 December 2007 National Indigenous Council’s term ends	The National Indigenous Council’s term expired on 31 December 2007. On 15 January 2008, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, announced the government’s decision not to continue the National Indigenous Council. The Minister explained that the government would undertake discussions with Indigenous peoples about the best process to develop a new representative body.^[35]
20 January 2008 First Community Cabinet Meeting held in Canning Vale, Western Australia	The Australian Government held its first Community Cabinet meeting in Canning Vale in Western Australia. Community Cabinet meetings provide an opportunity for community members to put forward their ideas on local and national issues. Four more Community Cabinet meetings are planned before the end of July 2008: Narangba, QLD - 2 March 2008; Penrith, NSW - 15 April 2008; Mackay, QLD - 29 June 2008; and Yirrkala, NT - 26 July 2008. Issues raised at Canning Vale included the housing affordability crisis, human rights in China, the plight of Indigenous Australians, funding for state schools and the difficulties faced by Australians who rely on the aged pension.^[36]
31 January 2008 Indigenous land use agreement signed over Ipswich.	Native title claimants the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people, and the Ipswich City Council signed an Indigenous land use agreement that took two years to negotiate. The agreement deals with future infrastructure development, cultural heritage issues and community relations. The entire Ipswich City Council region is covered by the group's native title claim. The groups signed a memorandum of understanding in November 2006 that set out the framework for the ILUA negotiations.^[37]
31 January 2008 The Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provisions released the thirteenth edition of the Report on Government Services.	The Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provisions released the thirteenth edition of the Report on Government Services. The Report examines the performance of all Australian governments providing education, justice, emergency management, health, community services and housing services. The services account for $120 billion in government expenditure - almost 13 per cent of Australia's gross domestic product. The report found a dramatic gap in education and health outcomes for Indigenous communities compared to the rest of the population. The report shows that where people live dictates their level of numeracy and literacy skills, with marked differences between city and remote areas. Those worst-affected are Indigenous students in remote areas, where only 27 per cent reach the year seven benchmark for reading. In health, the mortality rate for Indigenous peoples is twice as high as that in the general population and the infant mortality rate is also markedly higher than the rest of the community. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has already indicated it is making these issues a priority.^[38]
1 February 2008 The 2006 National Reading, Writing and Numeracy Benchmark results released.	The Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs released the 2006 National Reading, Writing and Numeracy Benchmark results. The results showed that the majority of Australian students in Years 3, 5 and 7 achieved the minimum benchmark standards in reading, writing and numeracy. The levels of achievement amongst Indigenous students, literacy in boys, and students living in very remote regions, remains significantly lower than the overall standard. The results for Indigenous students in year 7 numeracy for instance showed that less than half, 48 per cent, met the benchmark in 2006.^[39] The 2006 national benchmark results report is available online at: http://www.mceetya.edu.au
13 February 2008 National Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples - Parliament House, Canberra.	On 13 February 2008, the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, on behalf of the Australian Parliament, gave the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Stolen Generations for the past government policies and practices of forcibly removing Indigenous children from their families. The full text of the speech is available online at: http://www.pm.gov.au/media/Speech/2008/speech_0073.cfm More than 100 members of the Stolen Generations were invited to travel to Canberra as special guests of the Government to hear the National Apology. The Government also asked the leaders of the Stolen Generations Alliance and the National Sorry Day Committee to nominate Indigenous peoples who would best represent their fellow survivors at this historic day in the House of Representatives. An additional number of Stolen Generation representatives attended with the support of businesses and individual donations through Reconciliation Australia. Others among the invited guests included the widow of Sir Ronald Wilson, Lady Wilson, and Mick Dodson. Mr Dodson and Sir Ronald co-chaired the inquiry into the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families which resulted in the Bringing them home report.^[40] The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Mr Tom Calma was asked by the National Sorry Day Committee and the Stolen Generations Alliance, the two national bodies that represent the Stolen Generations and their families, to respond to the Parliament’s Apology and to talk briefly about the importance of the event. In his response the Commissioner noted that through this one direct act, ‘Parliament has acknowledged the existence and the impacts of the past policies and practices of forcibly removing Indigenous children from their families. And by doing so, has paid respect to the Stolen Generations. For their suffering and their loss. For their resilience. And ultimately, for their dignity’.^[41]
17 February 2008 Permit system on Aboriginal land in Northern Territory.	The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs announced that the permit system currently in place for use of major roads to communities in the Northern Territory will continue. For permits to be abolished the legislation requires the Minister to determine by regulation that access on major roads no longer requires a permit. In line with the Government’s pre-election policy, the Minister will not be making this determination and permits will still be required to travel on almost all roads through Aboriginal land in the NT. Under the Northern Territory Emergency Response legislation, access to common areas of major communities is allowed without a permit from 17 February, 2008.^[42]
17 February 2008 $50 million allocated to fund programs for alcohol and substance abuse in Indigenous communities.	The Minister for Health and Ageing announced the allocation of $50 million to reduce alcohol and substance abuse and its impact on families, safety and community wellbeing in remote Indigenous communities. The announcement marks the implementation of the Government's commitment at the December 2007 COAG meeting to commit $50 million nationwide over four years for substance and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment services across Australia, particularly in remote areas. The allocations to each state are: Queensland - up to $20 million; Northern Territory - up to $8 million; Western Australia - up to $8 million; South Australia - $7 million; NSW - up to $4 million; and Victoria, Tasmania, ACT - up to $1 million each.^[43]
19 February 2008 Indigenous recruitment identified as a priority in the Australian defence force.	The Minister for Defence, Science and Personnel identified Indigenous recruitment as a priority for the Australian Defence Force. The Minister said that although Indigenous Australians make up 1.4 per cent of the Australian workforce, only 0.6 per cent of Defence is Aboriginal.^[44]
19 February 2008 Roundtable on rural health.	The Rural Doctors Association of Australia convened a roundtable meeting with health professionals and consumers at which the Australian Government confirmed its attempts to improve the health of rural, regional and remote communities during. The Government's commitments included funding for new clinics, services and health infrastructure in individual rural centres, and a new program to improve the health of Indigenous children.^[45]
20 February 2008 Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Amendment (2008 Measures No. 1) Act 2008.	The Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Amendment (2008 Measures No. 1) Act 2008 (Cth) which funds an additional 200 teachers in the Northern Territory over the next four years, passes into law. The Act amends the Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Act 2000 by appropriating additional funding of $7.162 million over the 2008 school year for the recruitment of 50 of these 200 additional teachers Funding will be provided to NT education providers to recruit and employ the additional teachers. NT education providers will be responsible for deploying and housing the teachers employed through this initiative.^[46]
21 February 2008 Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Emergency Response Consolidation) Bill 2008 introduced.	As part of the Northern Territory Emergency Intervention amendments to legislation have been introduced into federal Parliament to reduce the exposure of children to pornographic material available on pay television in the Northern Territory. The Bill will amend the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, the Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007 and the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. It will act to restrict potential broadcasting and transportation of pornography to certain communities at the request of the community and after consultation with them. The Bill also proposes to reinstate the permit system but retain the capacity of the Commonwealth Minister to permit selected individuals or classes of individuals, such as journalists, to enter any specified Aboriginal land.^[47] The Bill adopts an approach which is consistent with the special measures provisions of the Racial Discrimination Act, rather than seeking to override it.^[48] As of 30 June 2008 the Bill had not yet passed into law.
25 February 2008 Rollout of income management to Aboriginal town camps.	The Australian Government commenced quarantining welfare payments in town camps in Darwin, Palmerston and Adelaide River and the Belyuen community as part of its emergency intervention in the Northern Territory. The measure expanded income management measures across the Northern Territory, and means that a total of 6,400 Centrelink customers in 25 communities and associated outstations and 3 groups of town camps will have welfare payments quarantined.^[49]
25 February 2008 Western Australian Coroner’s Inquiry handed down	In his inquiry into the deaths of 22 Kimberley men and women, the WA coroner, Alastair Hope, recommended that: State and Federal Governments assume greater accountability in the provision of health and housing through the nomination of one department to a ‘leadership role’; in cases of child neglect, compulsory income management should be made available to officers from the state Department of Child Protection; and limits should be placed upon the availability of full-strength alcohol for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in certain communities.^[50] A copy of the Coroners report is available at: http://news.sbs.com.au/shared/medialibrary/pdf/Kimberley_Finding_1_1208233553.pdf
29 February 2008 Report on health spending ratios between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.	Per person spending on health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was 17% higher than for the non-Indigenous population in 2004-05, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. According to the report, Expenditures on Health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 2004-05, total expenditure on health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was estimated at $2,304 million in 2004-05. State and territory governments and the Australian Government funded almost equal amounts of money for Indigenous health care (48% and 45% respectively) and 8% came from private sources, including out-of-pocket payments.^[51] However, the level of per capita health expenditure required to meet the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is estimated to be up to 3-4 times higher (depending on remoteness) than that for the non-Indigenous population^[52] due to factors such as: the significantly higher burden of disease and poorer health in the Indigenous population when compared to the non-Indigenous population; the significant proportion of the Indigenous population that lives in remote areas where service delivery costs are significantly higher than in the urban areas where the majority of the non-Indigenous population live; the (in general) lower incomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and households when compared to the non-Indigenous population, obliging them to rely more on government provided/funded services and so on and less on private health services and/or privately funded health services.^[53]
4 March 2008 Australian Government commits $100,000 to address Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) in the Groote Eylandt region.	The Australian Government committed $100,000 to address Machado Joseph Disease (MJD) in the Groote Eylandt region through the Anindilyakwa Land Council. The disease is a disabling genetic condition which causes nerve cells to die prematurely, causing very significant, progressive and permanent physical disability within 10 years. It is relentless and death occurs between six and 29 years of onset. The funding will be used to engage a health professional to undertake work examining the future implications for care of MJD patients on Groote Eylandt. The health professional will assess the provision and delivery of genetic counselling, education and testing services. An education campaign will also be developed for the general community and service providers.^[54]
5 March 2008 $4.6 million for Northern Territory youth projects.	$4.6 million allocated by the Commonwealth government to programs to curb alcohol and drug abuse and anti-social behaviour among young people in Northern Territory Aboriginal communities. The 24 projects will teach young people vocational and life skills and build pride and self confidence through healthy, safe activities and increased participation in constructive community life. Twenty-one of the projects are being funded through Youth Diversionary Activities and five are funded through the Central Australia Petrol Sniffing Strategy Unit (CAPSSU). The funding is part of the $7.6 million committed to youth initiatives as part of the Northern Territory Emergency Response.^[55]
7 March 2008 Funding for Indigenous arts organisations.	The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts today announced funding of $1.3 million from the Indigenous Visual Arts Special Initiative to provide 24 Indigenous art centres with infrastructure, training and marketing support. In 2007–08 special initiative funding will support 28 one-off projects to build the sustainability of Indigenous arts organisations across a range of areas. Projects funded through this initiative include: A development program for Central Australian art centre managers (NT, SA and WA) to be delivered by Desart, the peak body for art centres in the region; The construction of staff accommodation for Warakurna Artists in remote WA to allow this successful art centre to expand services to its artists; and A survey and marketing project to be conducted by Arts Northern Rivers in northern NSW to boost the profile of Indigenous artists from this region. The special initiative funding complements the National Arts and Crafts Industry Support program and is in line with the findings of a recent Senate Committee Report into the Indigenous visual art sector, Indigenous Art—Securing the Future. This report acknowledged the significance of Australia’s Indigenous visual arts and craft as one of the world’s great contemporary movements in art.^[56] More information on the National Arts and Crafts Industry Support program is available online at: www.arts.gov.au/indig
10 March 2008 Solar power stations for Indigenous communities.	The Australian and Northern Territory Governments announced that three remote Indigenous communities, Alekerange, Ti Tree and Kalkarindji, are to be powered from cleaner energy sources. Two eight-dish, 280 kilowatt concentrating solar power stations will be built at Ti Tree and Kalkarindji, and a 24-dish, 840 kilowatt power station will be built at Alekerange.^[57]
14 March 2008 Dare to Lead: Excellence in Leadership in Indigenous Education Awards announced.	The Australian Minister for Education announced outstanding leadership awards in Indigenous education for 16 schools from across Australia The achievements of these schools include improving attendance for year 10 to year 12 students and increasing school enrolments and graduation rates of Indigenous students. The Dare to Lead: Excellence in Leadership in Indigenous Education Awards is a national project that helps to improve the educational outcomes of Aboriginal students.^[58]
14 March 2008 Commonwealth, State and Territory Housing Ministers meet in Melbourne today.	The Australian Government's priority to tackle homelessness was a key item of discussion at the first meeting of Commonwealth, State and Territory Housing Ministers in Melbourne. Other items discussed included: Housing for Indigenous Australians; The National Affordable Housing Agreement; and The COAG Housing Working Group.^[59]
17 March 2008 Release of Deaths in Custody in Australia: National Deaths in Custody Program Annual Report 2006.	This report presents information on deaths in custody in Australian states and territories for the 2006 calendar year, including comparisons by jurisdiction and Indigenous status. Information is also presented on deaths in custody in Australian states and territories between 1980 and 2006 for prison custody and between 1990 and 2006 for police custody and custody-related operations. The report found that in 2006 there were 54 deaths in custody (48 males and five females), comprising 31 deaths in prison custody and 22 in police custody and custody-related operations. One male died in juvenile detention. Eleven deaths were Indigenous peoples and two of the seven hanging deaths were of Indigenous peoples. Ten deaths occurred during motor vehicle pursuits (four of these were Indigenous peoples) and two deaths resulted from police shootings (both were non-Indigenous people).^[60]
18 - 20 March 2008 National Indigenous Health Equality Summit	The Close the Gap Steering Committee for Indigenous Health Equality (Steering Committee) led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner convened the National Indigenous Health Equality Summit over 18 – 20 March 2008. More than 100 representatives from Indigenous and mainstream health peak bodies, non-government organisations, the reconciliation movement and Australian Government representatives attended the Summit in Canberra. At the Summit the Draft Close the Gap National Indigenous Health Equality Targets for: partnership; health status; primary health care and other health services; and infrastructure (with social and cultural determinants to be developed) were presented to the delegates for comments and feedback. These were developed by the Steering Committee with the help of wide range of health experts in the lead up to the Summit. After the Summit, the targets were finalised by the expert members of the targets working groups and published in July 2008. The Australian Government announced two significant new policy initiatives at the Indigenous Health Equality Summit. The Government will invest $19 million over three years in a National Indigenous Health Workforce Training Plan and $14.5 million over four years to tackle high smoking rates in Indigenous communities. Supporting a strong Indigenous health workforce and encouraging more Indigenous peoples to take up careers as health professionals is critical to improving health services and increasing Indigenous peoples' life expectancy.^[61]
20 March 2008 Statement of Intent signed on Indigenous health.	The National Indigenous Health Equality Summit culminated with a ceremony at the Great Hall in Parliament House and the signing of a Close the Gap Indigenous Health Equality Summit Statement of Intent (Statement of Intent). The main signatories to this were the: • Prime Minister; • Leader of the Opposition; • Minister for Health and Ageing; • Minister for Families, Housing, Communities and Indigenous Affairs; • Presidents and Chairs of the four main Indigenous health peak bodies: `o` the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, `o` the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association, `o` the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses, and `o` the Australian Indigenous Dentists’ Association; • Presidents and CEOs of the four main mainstream health peak bodies; `o` the Australian Medical Association, `o` the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, `o` the Royal College of Australasian Physicians; and `o` the Australian General Practice Network; • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner of the Australian Human Rights Commission (then the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission).^[62] The body of the Statement says: This is a Statement of Intent – between the Government of Australia and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia, supported by non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous health organizations – to work together to achieve equality in health status and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians by the year 2030. Commitments were made: To developing a comprehensive, long-term plan of action, that is targeted to need, evidence-based and capable of addressing the existing inequities in health services, in order to achieve equality of health status and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non- Indigenous Australians by 2030. To ensuring primary health care services and health infrastructure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples which are capable of bridging the gap in health standards by 2018. To ensuring the full participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their representative bodies in all aspects of addressing their health needs. To working collectively to systematically address the social determinants that impact on achieving health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To building on the evidence base and supporting what works in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and relevant international experience. To supporting and developing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health services in urban, rural and remote areas in order to achieve lasting improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. To achieving improved access to, and outcomes from, mainstream services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To respect and promote the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including by ensuring that health services are available, appropriate, accessible, affordable, and of good quality. To measure, monitor, and report on our joint efforts, in accordance with benchmarks and targets, to ensure that we are progressively realising our shared ambitions.^[63] Also at the National Indigenous Health Equality Summit, the government announced the creation of the National Indigenous Health Equality Council (NIHEC) to progress its close the gap commitments. The NIHEC is intended to ‘provide national leadership in responding to Government’s commitment to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage by providing advice to Government on working towards the provision of equitable and sustainable health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.’^[64]
20 March 2008 Annual Social Justice and Native Title Reports tabled in Parliament	The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner tabled the Social Justice Report 2007 and the Native Title Report 2007 in the House of Representatives. The reports, produced annually by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, consider the impact of government activity on the exercise and enjoyment of Indigenous people’s human rights.^[65] The Social Justice and Native Title Reports are available online at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/sj_report/sjreport07/ and http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/nt_report/ntreport07/. The Social Justice Report 2007 examines the human rights implications of the Northern Territory Emergency Response introduced in the Northern Territory in 2007, in response to the problems of family violence and child abuse identified in the little Children Are Sacred Report. The report outlines a Ten Point Action Plan for modifying the Intervention so that it respects the human rights of Indigenous peoples, which includes restoring all rights to procedural fairness and external merits review under the Intervention legislation; and reinstating protections against racial discrimination in the operation of the Intervention legislation, among others. The report also draws attention to 19 examples of successful programs for addressing family violence in Indigenous communities including programs in: community education; healing; alcohol management; men’s groups; family support and child protection; safe houses; and programs for offenders. These case studies provide an opportunity to celebrate the successes and offer some key lessons to build on such as, the importance of community consultation and community capacity building, the value of taking a holistic approach to deal with complex issues and the critical need to involve men and empower women. The Native Title Report 2007 examined the effectiveness of the native title system and in light of the deficiencies identified recommended a comprehensive review of the whole native title system focusing on how the system may better deliver protection and recognition of native title. The report also profiles some of the positive initiatives where Indigenous peoples are using their land to pursue economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes e.g. Western Arnhem Land Fire Abatement project and the Central Queensland ILUA template.
27 March 2008 Training to combat family violence on the ground in Indigenous communities.	The Australian Human Rights Commission (then known as the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission) commenced human rights training for community workers aiming to arrest family violence in Indigenous communities. In 2007 the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department provided funding to 9 Family Violence Prevention Legal Services (FVPLS) to employ 15 Community Legal Education (CLE) workers. The role of the CLE workers is to raise awareness amongst Indigenous Australians about the standards of Australian law that are relevant to family violence, and to clarify the relationship between Australian law and customary law. In June 2007 the Commission was funded by the Attorney-General’s Department to develop and deliver an education module for these 15 Community Legal Education workers. The workers came from FVPLS located in Geraldton, Katherine, Kimberley, Port Augusta, Darwin, Alice Springs, Cape York, Forbes and Melbourne. The training program is underpinned by community development theory and practice and the content of the training focuses on Australian law and customary law as they are relevant to preventing violence in Indigenous communities. This training will enable workers to get out and work directly with local schools and health clinics to promote and explain the rights and responsibilities they each have in combating family violence in a way that is clear and culturally appropriate.^[66]
1 April 2008 Income management rollout continues across Northern Territory.	The Australian Government commenced quarantining welfare payments for an additional 1,190 Centrelink customers in the Northern Territory communities of Galiwinku, Atitjere, Engawala and Nguiu. This latest round of income management measures across the NT expands the initiative to cover more than 7,700 people across 29 communities, and town camps in and around Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs. Income management is one part of the Northern Territory Emergency response. Welfare recipients have 50 per cent of their payments quarantined in an attempt to ensure income is spent on essential items. An initial survey of 10 community stores in remote NT communities found that six stores have recorded an increase in turnover since November.^[67]
1 April 2008 New PBS listings for April 2008.	The Australian Government announced that it would provide an oral treatment for dermatophyte infections (a type of fungal skin infection) to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community through the PBS, with the listing of terbinafine hydrochloride tablets (GenRx Terbinafine, Tamsil, Terbihexal, Zabel, Lamisil). The listing will be made through the Primary Health Care Access Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which aims to improve the capacity of the PBS to meet their needs. It will be available only where topical treatment has failed. This listing is expected to benefit about 13,000 patients over the next five years, at a cost of around $1.2 million to the PBS.^[68]
3 April 2008 Indigenous Nurse Home Visiting Program	The Australian Health Minister, visiting North Queensland, announced that Wuchopperen Health Service in North Queensland has been selected as one of two sites for the early roll-out of the Australian Government's nurse home visiting program for Indigenous children. The nurse home visit program is part of the Government's $260 million commitment to closing the 17- year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people within a generation, and improving the health of Indigenous women and children. The commitment also has a goal of halving the rate at which Indigenous children die before the age of five within a decade.^[69]
6 April 2008 $6 million to tackle family violence in Indigenous communities.	The Australian Government announced a commitment of more than $6 million to tackle the serious levels of violence and increase reporting of child abuse in Indigenous communities. A number of existing programs will receive a funding boost to expand their scope and effectiveness. The Australian Government will provide $2.95 million over three years to the Kids Living Safer Lives program. This program operates in the Cape York communities of Hope Vale, Aurukun, Coen, Mossman Gorge, Lockhart River, Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama. Another $1.7 million will be provided for safe houses for victims of violence and abuse in the Northern Territory. Safe houses have already been established in Elliot, Ali Curung and Borroloola and are about to be completed in Pmara-Jutunta, Yuendumu, Hermannsburg and Finke. An additional 18 safe houses will be established in other remote communities, including Wadeye and Milikapiti. $1.5 million will be provided for child protection workers to identify children at risk of abuse. These workers will be placed in organisations providing services including child care and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.^[70]
8 April 2008 Commencement of Footprints in Time - landmark study of Indigenous children.	Australia's Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children, Footprints in Time will track the long-term development of 2,200 Indigenous children from communities across Australia. This landmark study will give researchers the capacity to look in depth at the early childhood experiences of Indigenous children and how these experiences influence their future. The study will provide policy makers with an evidence base to assist in the design and delivery of program and policy interventions for Indigenous children in the early years. Collecting data from 2,200 children, starting with two age groups, (6-18 months and 3½ to 4½ years) the study will trace how their circumstances change over at least four years. The study will include children from diverse locations. The first wave of data collection is planned from 16 April to 30 September. This study is a key part of the Australian Government's Indigenous Early Childhood package.^[71]
9 April 2008 Extension of the alcohol ban at Fitzroy Crossing.	The Australian Government announced that it will support the continuation of the Indigenous community’s initiative to ban alcohol at Fitzroy Crossing beyond its current expiry date of 23 May 2008. There have been improvements in health, education and safety since the ban was imposed by the Western Australian director of liquor licensing in October at the request of local women. A study by the Notre Dame University has found that the alcohol ban has led to a 50 per cent fall in the number of people seeking treatment at the Fitzroy Crossing Emergency Department. As well there has been a 27 per cent reduction in alcohol related domestic violence, and a 14 per cent increase in high school attendance.^[72]
9 April 2008 Boost for mental health services in Western Australia.	The Australian Government announced that it will fund a range of mental health programs in Western Australia to tackle high levels of mental illness and suicide in many remote Indigenous communities. Nationally, the Australian Government will provide $15.4 million through the National Respite Development Fund. Of this, $5.3 million has been allocated to Western Australia and includes establishing and expanding respite services for carers of people with severe mental illness, psychiatric disability, or intellectual disability. The rollout of services in the Kimberley will be implemented in three stages including: community consultation with Indigenous peoples and communities; establishment of services and training of staff; and the delivery of respite services.^[73]
10 April 2008 Safe housing for young Indigenous peoples.	Hostels to provide accommodation for up to 100 young people will be built in four remote West Australian communities to give young Indigenous peoples better education and training opportunities. The hostels will be constructed in Halls Creek, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Broome over the next financial year under a joint agreement between the Australian and West Australian Governments. The Australian Government has committed $10 million to fund the construction with the West Australian Government taking responsibility for the project management. Each hostel will have the capacity to accommodate 24 young people needing stable, affordable accommodation while they go to school or complete training courses. The new hostels would be modeled on the ‘Better Life’ Project based in Halls Creek.^[74]
12 April 2008 New housing project for Northern Territory Indigenous communities.	A joint housing program between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments will deliver construction, refurbishment and infrastructure developments, as well as jobs in 73 Northern Territory Indigenous communities and some urban areas. The Australian Government will contribute $547 million over four years through the Northern Territory Government, and the Territory Government will provide a further $100 million. The program will deliver: around 750 new houses including new subdivisions; over 230 new houses to replace houses to be demolished; over 2,500 housing upgrades; essential infrastructure to support new houses; and improvements to living conditions in town camps. A total of $420 million for major works in 16 high need communities and more than $124 million for refurbishments in an additional 57 communities will be provided. A further $103 million will be directed towards town camps, urban living areas and a small number of existing housing programs.^[75]
14 April 2008 Follow-up health treatments begin for children identified in the Northern Territory Emergency Response.	Five hundred children across the Northern Territory are expected to receive Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgery through visiting surgeons. With more than 8500 child health checks completed, almost one third of the children seen were found to have ear diseases and approximately one in 14 children required specialist ENT services to help them treat hearing impairment. Other actions included: 39 per cent of children were referred for follow-up primary health care, including treatment of skin conditions or ear infections, immunisation, and new blood tests for anaemia; 28 per cent were referred for dental treatment; 10 per cent were referred for paediatric services: 8 per cent were in need of audiology and hearing services; and 7 per cent were referred for ear, nose and throat specialist services. The Australian Government has committed $183 million over the next three years to the Department of Health and Ageing for the Northern Territory Emergency Response – Improving Child and Family Health measure.^[76]
29 April 2008 Launch of the Health and Welfare of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 2008 report.	This report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare provides comprehensive, accurate information on the health and welfare of Indigenous Australians. The Report shows: the majority of Indigenous Australians die before reaching the age of 65 years; Indigenous children are over represented in the child protection system - the rate of Indigenous children on care and protection orders is over six times the rate of other children; hospitalisation for kidney dialysis is 14 times the rate of non-Indigenous people; more than 100,000 Indigenous peoples live in sub-standard, overcrowded housing; 50 per cent of Indigenous adults are smokers and two thirds start smoking before they turn 18; and 20 per cent of Indigenous peoples living in remote areas reported no usual daily intake of fruit while 15 per cent reported no usual daily intake of fresh vegetables.^[77]
30 April 2008 Government timetable for Indigenous employment reforms announced.	The Australian Government announced a timetable for Indigenous employment reforms. Consultations on Indigenous employment services reforms will start shortly and will form part of a broader Indigenous Economic Development Strategy to be announced by the end of the year. The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs will write to all current CDEP providers advising them that up to a further 12 months of funding will be available from 1 July 2008 to ensure people are working while reforms are being progressively introduced.^[78]
30 April 2008 Report of the Children on APY Lands Commission	The Report of the Children on APY Lands Commission (‘Mullighan Enquiry’) is presented to the South Australian Parliament. The Report is available online at: http://www.service.sa.gov.au/ContentPages/sagovt/mullighaninquiry_apy.aspx
2 May 2008 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report on Maternal Deaths in Australia 2003-2005	The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare today released its report on Maternal Deaths in Australia 2003-2005. While Australia's overall low maternal death rate has fallen, the mortality rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is still unacceptably high. Nationally, 65 deaths were reported, compared to 84 over the previous three-year period. This represents a maternal death rate of 8.4 per 100,000 women, one of the lowest maternal death rates in the world. But the rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was far higher - 21.5 deaths per 100,000 women; more than two and half times the non-Indigenous rate of 7.9. The Government has allocated $261.4 million over five years to tackle Indigenous maternal and infant health through New Directions - An equal start in life for Indigenous Children and is also developing a national maternity services plan to support the coordination of maternity services.^[79]
13 May 2008 2008-09 Budget.	In support of its commitment to turn around Indigenous disadvantage the Australian Government announced the allocation of $425.3 million in new funds in the 2008-09 Budget. The funding is provided across eight portfolios, and falls under three main funding strands. The three strands of funding are: Closing the Gap for Indigenous Australians; Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory; and Closing the Gap for Indigenous Australians – Other Measures. The Budget measures build on $580 million in major initiatives announced in February for closing the gap in life expectancy, infant mortality, education and employment. In addition, the Government redirected $222.5 million in funding to address key priorities.^[80]
18 May 2008 Discussion paper on Indigenous employment reforms.	A discussion paper to encourage debate and ideas on economic development and jobs for Indigenous Australians was released by the Australian Government. The nationwide consultations will focus on how to reform two existing employment and work-readiness programs - Community Development Employment Program (CDEP) and the Indigenous Employment Program (IEP). The discussion paper looks at how individuals, businesses, communities and partnerships must be involved to lift Indigenous employment rates. The paper also looks at how employers of Indigenous workers can be better supported, building on the success of the Structure Training and Development Program and Structured Training and Employment Projects Related Services programs. The Indigenous Economic Development Strategy will be launched later in 2008 and will complement the Government's new employment services model to be implemented from July 2009.^[81]
20 May 2008 Regional Partnership Agreement for Groote Eylandt region.	Indigenous peoples in the Groote Eylandt region will benefit from a Regional Partnership Agreement signed between the Australian Government, the Northern Territory Government and the Anindilyakwa Land Council. Under the Agreement the education and employment needs of the region will be reviewed to identify how to improve education outcomes and employment rates.^[82]
20 May 2008 New substance abuse intelligence unit to be based in Katherine.	The Australian Government announced that they would provide $2 million for law and order activities under the Northern Territory Emergency Response for a new Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk to be based in Katherine. The Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Northern Territory Chief Minister said both governments recognised the toll substance abuse has on Indigenous communities.^[83]
20 May 2008 First residential boarding facility on Tiwi Islands.	The first residential boarding facility on the Tiwi Islands was officially opened at Pickertaramoor on Melville Island. Students had commenced classes at Tiwi College in February 2008. Three family group homes have been constructed at the Tiwi College, providing accommodation for up to 36 students. The family group homes provide students with accommodation from Tuesdays to Saturdays with full-time house parents to ensure the students are fed, rested and prepared for class. The Australian Government has committed $16 million to the Tiwi College, $2 million of which is for an extension to the college this year to increase enrolment to 84 children. The boarding capacity will be increased to up to 48 students once the fourth home is completed.^[84]
29 May 2008 Indigenous Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 introduced into Parliament.	The Indigenous Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 was introduced into Parliament. The aim of the Bill is to allow for more flexible lease arrangements in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. Township leases under the NT Aboriginal Land Rights Act will be able to be set from 40 to 99 years, rather than the current fixed 99 year leases. The Executive Director of Township Leasing, an independent statutory officeholder set up under the Land Rights Act, currently holds township leases. The Executive Director will also be able to hold title to other types of leases over Aboriginal-owned land in the Northern Territory, including over community living areas and town camps. A framework is also provided for payments to be negotiated for five year leases acquired under the Emergency Response, which will minimise the prospect of these matters needing to be resolved in the courts. The Bill also enables 13 parks and reserves claimed under the Land Rights Act in the Northern Territory to become Aboriginal land. The parks and reserves will be immediately leased back to the Northern Territory Government so that they can continue to operate as national parks.^[85] The Bill passed into law on 1 July 2008.
6 June 2008 Northern Territory Emergency Response Review Board established.	The Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) Review Board was established to conduct an independent and transparent review of the NTER to assess what is working, whether the measures are effective and their impact to date on individuals and communities. The Board will consult widely and seek public submissions. An independent expert group will support the Review Board. The group will be comprised of 11 experts drawn from public policy, health, child welfare, legal and economic development fields. The NTER Board will: examine evidence and assess the overall progress of the NTER in improving the safety and wellbeing of children and laying the basis for a sustainable and better future for residents of remote communities in the Northern Territory (NT); consider what is and isn’t working and whether the current suite of NTER measures will deliver the intended results, whether any unintended consequences have emerged and whether other measures should be developed; and in relation to each NTER measure, make an assessment of its effects to date, and recommend any required changes to improve each measure and monitor performance. The NTER Review Board and the Expert Group will be supported by a secretariat which will provide project management support. The NTER Review Board is expected to provide the Australian Government with a final report by 30 September 2008.^[86]
11 June 2008 Regional Partnership Agreement for Western Cape York Peninsula.	The Minister for Employment Participation announced Australian Government funding for the development and mentoring of Indigenous enterprises on the Western Cape York Peninsula. During a visit to Weipa today funding of nearly $700,000 was announced. This will fund two senior positions at the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce over the next two years. The funding will allow the Chamber to recruit an Indigenous Economic Development Officer and an Indigenous Business Mentor/ Trainer. These positions will work with existing and emerging Indigenous businesses on the Western Cape to develop their capability and sustainability.^[87]
16 June 2008 The Stolen Generation Compensation Bill 2008 Inquiry Report released.	On 14 February 2008, the Stolen Generation Compensation Bill 2008, a private Senator's bill, was introduced into the Senate. On 12 March 2008, the Senate referred the Bill to the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, for inquiry and report by 16 June 2008. The Committee’s report found that the primary purpose of the Bill was to address compensation for the stolen generations of Indigenous children in Australia. The Bill proposed a compensation model for ex gratia payments to be made to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons who were found to be eligible for such payments under the Bill.^[88] The Report contains four recommendations: The committee recommends that the Bill not proceed in its current form. The committee recommends that the Federal Government's stolen generation working group (comprising of stolen generation representatives from the National Sorry Day Committee and the Stolen Generations Alliance) be charged with the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the recommendations of the Bringing them home report, and providing advice to government on the implementation of outstanding recommendations of that report by the end of 2008. The committee recommends that the Federal Government's 'closing the gap' initiative be extended to establish a National Indigenous Healing Fund to provide health, housing, ageing, funding for funerals, and other family support services for members of the stolen generation as a matter of priority. The committee recommends that the National Indigenous Healing Fund be incorporated within the 'closing the gap' initiative as an additional and discrete element of focus and funding. The committee recommends that the terms and conditions of the National Indigenous Healing Fund be determined through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), and that its processes and practical application be decided after consultation with the stolen generation working group (comprising of stolen generation representatives from the National Sorry Day Committee and the Stolen Generations Alliance).^[89]
19 June 2008 Additional funding for Aboriginal Legal Services.	The Australian Government announced the allocation of more than $6.3 million in one-off funding for Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS) to help meet extra demand for legal assistance. The funding will provide: $2.75 million for the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia; $515,000 to Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW and ACT); $800,000 to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (Queensland South); $895,000 for South Australia's Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement; $140,000 for computer upgrades; and $900,000 for the Expensive Indigenous Cases Fund which allows any legal service to apply for extra funds for expensive or high profile cases.^[90]
21 June 2008 Northern Territory Emergency Response Taskforce’s Final report	On the first anniversary of the Northern Territory Emergency Response, the Northern Territory Emergency Response Taskforce presents its Final Report to Government. The report documents the activities of the Taskforce, reports on the achievements of the Intervention over the previous 12 months, and makes a number of recommendations for future services for Indigenous peoples in the Northern Territory. The Final Report of the Taskforce is available online at: http://www.facsia.gov.au/nter/docs/reports/taskforce_report.htm
24 June 2008 Eight new family support services commence.	Eight new family support services have been launched to support Indigenous families as part of a $16.6 million Australian Government commitment to give Indigenous children a good start in life. The first eight locations, from a proposed 50 over the next four years, have been selected because they have a large Indigenous population and are often highly disadvantaged as well. The services-the Indigenous Parenting Support Services-will target families with children aged up to eight years old with a focus on children under the age of two. The Government will provide over $1.2 million to the eight locations. A total of $153,000 per year will be allocated to each site, covering the salaries of one full-time family support worker, one part-time worker and other administration costs. The sites and their service providers are: Blacktown NSW - the Anglicare Diocese of Sydney; Wellington NSW - Aboriginal Corporation Health Services (WACHS); Central Melbourne, Victoria - the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA); South Brisbane, Qld - Kummara Association; Port Adelaide, SA - Uniting Care Wesley Port Adelaide; Banksia Grove, WA - Ngala Incorporated; Launceston, Tasmania - the Tasmanian Aboriginal Child Care Association (TACCA); and Gungahlin, ACT - The Smith Family.^[91]
27 June 2008 National Policy Commission on Indigenous Housing convenes first meeting.	The initial tasks of the National Policy Commission on Indigenous Housing have included assessing remote Indigenous housing data to identify gaps, assessing the capacity of existing government programs to address remote Indigenous housing needs, and identifying tangible policy objectives for government in both remote and urban and regional contexts. 2006 census data and 2006 Community Housing and Infrastructure Need Survey data indicates that of the 22,000 Indigenous households in remote or very remote Australia: around 7,000 or over 30% of these households are overcrowded; almost a third of the 15,000 houses managed by Indigenous Housing Organisations require repairs or replacement; and almost 3,000 Indigenous peoples are homeless.^[92]
27 June 2007 New evaluation reports on Indigenous Business Australia and Family Violence Programs.	The Australian Government released two evaluation reports on Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) and two Indigenous-specific family violence programs, the Family Violence Partnership Program and the Family Violence Regional Activities Program. The IBA program evaluation examines the manner in which IBA seeks to create wealth in Indigenous communities, support Indigenous businesses and increase the rate of home ownership among Indigenous households. The evaluation highlights the diversity of IBA's partnerships with Indigenous peoples, their communities and the mainstream business community. The family violence program evaluation report highlights the work that the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs has undertaken to address the family violence and notes that many improvements have been made since the completion of the evaluation.^[93]

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^[1] Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, About the CATSI Act, http://www.oric.gov.au/Content.aspx?content=CATSI-Act/default.htm&menu=catsi&class=catsi&selected=About%20the%20CATSI%20Act (viewed 13 January 2009).
^[2] UN Web Services Section, United Nations Department of Public Information, International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, http://www.un.org/events/indigenous/2007/ (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[3] House Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Parliament of Australia, Indigenous Australians at Work: Successful initiatives in Indigenous employment (2007). At http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/atsia/indigenousemployment/report.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[4] Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Status of Legislation. At http://www.facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/aboutfacs/legislation_status.htm (viewed 1 July 2008).
^[5] For an overview of the Northern Territory Emergency Response measures and an analysis of their compliance with human rights principles see: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Social Justice Report 2007, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (2007) ch 3.
^[6] Employment & Workplace Relations Services for Australians, CDEP in the Northern Territory Emergency Response Questions and Answers, http://www.workplace.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/31071644-F73A-46BF-82D2-59046CF5057D/0/CDEPNTQuestionsandAnswers.pdf (viewed 15 January 2008).
^[7] Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, ‘$14.6 million for Indigenous environmental projects’ (Media Release, 28 August 2007). At http://www.scacc.com.au/UserFiles/File/Indigneous%20Env%20Projects.pdf (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[8] Australian Red Cross, ‘Australian Red Cross joins corporate leaders for indigenous employment’ (Media Release, 29 August 2007). At http://1.redcross.org.au/?fuseaction=NEWSROOM.archive&sub=507 (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[9] Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements, Nguiu (Tiwi Islands) 99-Year Lease. At http://www.atns.net.au/agreement.asp?EntityID=4116 (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[10] Minister for Justice and Customs, ‘Official opening of the Australian Crime Commission Darwin office’ (Media Release, 31 August 2007). At http://www.crimecommission.gov.au/html/pg_media_minister_JC.html (viewed 1 August 2008).
^[11] Minister for Education, Science and Training, ‘$50 Million Investment for Indigenous Boarding School Facilities’ (Media Release, 31 August 2007). At http://www.dest.gov.au/ministers/media/bishop/2007/08/b001310807.asp (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[12] Minister for Community Services and Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, ‘Boost to training for Indigenous women’ (Media Release, 4 September 2007). At http://www.familyassist.gov.au/internet/Minister5.nsf/content/indigenous_women_4sep07.htm, (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[13] Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, ‘Funding to improve telecommunications in remote Indigenous communities’ (Media Release, 6 September 2007). At http://www.minister.dcita.gov.au/coonan/media/media_releases/funding_to_improve_telecommunications_in_remote_indigenous_communities?SQ_DESIGN_NAME=printer_friendly (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[14] Senate Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Committee, Parliament of Australia, Report into Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Amendment (Cape York Measures) Bill 2007 [Provisions] (2007). At http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/eet_ctte/completed_inquiries/2004-07/indigenoused07/report/index.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[15] UN News Centre, ‘United Nations adopts Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples’ (Media Release, 13 September 2007). At http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=23794&Cr=indigenous&Cr1(viewed 15 January 2008).
^[16] Explanatory Memorandum, Northern Territory National Emergency Response Amendment (Alcohol) Bill 2007 (Cth). At http://parlinfoweb.aph.gov.au/piweb/Repository/Legis/ems/Linked/11090707.pdf (viewed 19 January 2009).
^[17] Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, ‘New alcohol restrictions to take effect in NT’ (Media Release, 10 September 2007). At http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/minister3.nsf/content/nter_alcohol_10sep07.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[18] Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, ‘Funding for major Indigenous housing projects’ (Media Release, 18 September 2007). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/minister3.nsf/content/housing_18sep07.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[19] Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, ‘Government delivers long-term commitment to housing jobs, health and police as part of long term commitment to NT’ (Media Release, 18 September 2007). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/minister3.nsf/content/funding_18sep07.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[20] Minister for Education, Science and Training, ‘Indigenous Boarding School upgrades’ (Media Release, 19 September 2007). At http://www.dest.gov.au/ministers/media/bishop/2007/09/b002190907.asp (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[21] Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, ‘Land Rights pioneer secures agreement to negotiate 99 year lease’ (Media Release, 20 September 2007). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/minister3.nsf/content/land_rights_20sep07.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[22] Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, ‘Focused Planning for Indigenous Child Care Services’ (Media Release, 21 September 2007). At http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/minister3.nsf/content/focused_planning_21sep07.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[23] Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, ‘Minister Receives NIC Report’ (Media Release, 24 September 2007). At http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/minister3.nsf/content/nic_report_24sep07.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[24] Minister for Education, Science and Training, ‘More than $1 million awarded to Indigenous Australians for research’ (Media Release, 25 September 2007). At http://www.dest.gov.au/ministers/media/bishop/2007/09/b003250907.asp (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[25] Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, ‘Multi-million Australian Government funding package for Indigenous communities in North West WA’ (Media Release, 26 September 2007). At http://www.ofw.facsia.gov.au/internet/minister3.nsf/content/funding_package_26.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[26] Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, ‘New remote police stations in Western Australia’ (Media Release, 26 September 2007). At http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/minister3.nsf/content/remote_police_26sep07.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[27] Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, ‘Landmark Housing and Welfare Reform Agreement for Yarrabah’ (Media Release, 1 October 2007). At http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/minister3.nsf/content/yarrabah_01oct07.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[28] Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, ‘$2.3m boost for Indigenous Environment Projects’ (Media Release, 8 October 2007). At http://indigenous.developmentgateway.org/News.10971+M5c9315d5ac2.0.html (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[29] Minister for Education, Science and Training, ‘Scitech enhances indigenous students learning opportunities’ (Media Release, 10 October 2007). At http://www.dest.gov.au/ministers/media/bishop/2007/10/b003101007.asp (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[30] Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, ‘Howard Government backs Palm Island reforms’ (Media Release, 11 October 2007). At http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/minister3.nsf/content/palm_island_11oct07.htm (viewed 15 January 2009).
^[31] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, ‘Improvements seen in Indigenous housing but areas of concern remain’ (Media Release, 18 October 2007). At http://www.aihw.gov.au/mediacentre/2007/mr20071018.cfm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[32] Prime Minister, Announcement of Cabinet and Ministry (Press Conference, 29 November 2007). At http://www.alp.org.au/media/1107/pcpme290.php (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[33] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, ‘Dental health of Indigenous children worsens’ (Media Release, 14 December 2007). At http://www.aihw.gov.au/mediacentre/2007/mr20071214.cfm (viewed 16 January 2009).

^[34] Council of Australian Governments, Communique – 20 December 2007. At http://www.coag.gov.au/coag_meeting_outcomes/2007-12-20/cooag20071220.pdf (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[35] Minister for Families, Housing, Communities and Indigenous Affairs, ‘National Indigenous Council’ (Media Release, 15 January 2008). At http://www.facs.gov.au/Internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/nic_14jan08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[36] Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Canning Vale Community Cabinet Meeting. At http://www.pmc.gov.au/community_cabinet/meetings/canningvale.cfm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[37] National Native Title Tribunal, ‘Indigenous land use agreement signed over Ipswich’ (Media Release, 30 January 2008). At http://www.nntt.gov.au/News-and-Communications/Media-Releases/Pages/IndigenouslanduseagreementsignedoverIpswich.aspx (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[38] Productivity Commission, ‘Report on Government Services 2008’ (Media Release, 31 January 2008) At http://www.pc.gov.au/gsp/reports/rogs/2008/mediarelease (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[39] Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and Social Inclusion, ‘2006 National Benchmark Results’ (Media Release, 1 February 2008). At http://mediacentre.dewr.gov.au/mediacentre/Gillard/Releases/2006NationalBenchmarkResults.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[40] Prime Minister and Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Stolen Generations invited to Parliament for the National Apology’ (Media Release, 10 February 2008). At http://www.pm.gov.au/media/release/2008/media_release_0065.cfm (viewed 16 January 2009). ^[41] T Calma, Let the healing begin - Response to government to the national apology to the Stolen Generations (Speech delivered at the Australian Parliament, Canberra, 13 February 2008). At http://humanrights.gov.au/about/media/speeches/social_justice/2008/20080213let_the_healing_begin.html (viewed 16 January 2009). ^[42] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Permit system on Aboriginal land in NT’ (Media Release, 17 February 2008). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/permit_system_17feb08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[43] Minister for Health and Ageing, ‘$50 million to tackle Indigenous alcohol abuse’ (Media Release, 17 February 2008). At http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr08-nr-nr019.htm?OpenDocument&yr=2008&mth=2 (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[44] Minister for Defence, Science and Personnel, ‘Indigenous recruitment a priority’ (Media Release, 19 February 2008). At http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/snowdontpl.cfm?CurrentId=7436 (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[45] Minister for Health and Ageing, ‘Progress on rural health improvements’ (Media Release, 19 February 2008). At http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr08-nr-nr021.htm?OpenDocument&yr=2008&mth=2 (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[46] Commonwealth, Parliamentary Debates, House of Representatives, 14 February 2008, p 316-317 (The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and Social Inclusion). At http://www.aph.gov.au/Hansard/reps/dailys/dr140208.pdf (viewed 27 January 2009).
^[47] K Magarey & P Pyburne, Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Emergency Response Consolidation) Bill 2008, Bills Digest No 82 2007-08, Department of Parliamentary Services (2008), p 17. At http://www.aph.gov.au/library/Pubs/bd/2007-08/08bd082.pdf (viewed 13 January 2009).
^[48] Calma, T., (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner), Pornography restrictions to further protect Aboriginal children in the NT, Media Release, 21 February 2008, available online at: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2008/18_08.html, accessed 6 August 2008.
^[49] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Rollout of Income Management to Aboriginal Town Camps in Darwin, Palmerston and Adelaide River’ (Media Release, 25 February 2008). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/Internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/income_management_25feb08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[50] D Weber ‘WA Aborigines facing health crisis, says Coroner’, ABC PM, 25 February 2008. At http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2008/s2172280.htm (viewed 19 January 2009).
^[51] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, ‘Health spending ratio between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians stays the same’ (Media Release, 29 February 2008). At http://www.aihw.gov.au/mediacentre/2008/mr20080229.cfm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[52] Commonwealth Grants Commission, Report on Indigenous Funding, (2001) p 127. At http://www.cgc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/2963/07_Chapter_6.pdf (viewed 13 January 2009).
^[53] J Deeble, J Shelton Agar and J Goss, Expenditures on Health for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 2004–05, Health and Welfare Expenditure Series Number 33, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2008), p 1. At http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/hwe/eohfatsip04-05/eohfatsip04-05.pdf (viewed 13 January 2009).
^[54] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Addressing Machado Joseph Disease on Groote Eylandt’ (Media Release, 4 March 2008). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/groote_eylandt_04mar08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[55] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘$4.6 million for Northern Territory Youth Projects’ (Media Release, 5 March 2008). At http://www.jennymacklin.fahcsia.gov.au/Internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/nt_youth_projects_05mar08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[56] Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, ‘Special funding recognises the value of Indigenous arts organisations’ (Media Release, 7 March 2008). At http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/pubs/mr20080307.pdf (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[57] Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, ‘Solar power stations for Indigenous communities’ (Media Release, 10 March 2008). At http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008 /pubs/mr20080310a.pdf (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[58] Minister for Education, ‘Dare to Lead - Making the Difference: 2008 Indigenous Education Awards’ (Media Statement, 14 March 2008). At http://www.alp.org. au/media/0308/msed141.php (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[59] Minister for Housing and Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Homelessness Agenda Builds Momentum’ (Media Release, 14 March 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/Internet/tanyaplibersek.nsf/content/homelessness_agenda_14mar08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[60] Australian Institute of Criminology, Deaths in custody in Australia: National Deaths in Custody Program annual report 2006, Research and public policy series, No 85 (2008). At http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/rpp/85/ (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[61] Prime Minister, Minister for Health and Ageing, and Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Rudd government tackles Indigenous smoking rates and health workforce in next down payments on closing the gap’ (Media Release, 20 March 2008). At http://www.pm.gov.au/media/release/2008/media_release_0143.cfm, (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[62] Other signatories included Oxfam Australia, Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation, Reconciliation Australia, Get Up!, Catherine Freeman Foundation; Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth; and the Australian Doctors Trained Overseas Association.
^[63] Close the Gap Indigenous Health Equality Summit Statement of Intent, Canberra (20 March 2008). At http://humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/health/statement_intent.html (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[64] Department of Health and Ageing, National Indigenous Health Equality Council Terms of Reference (2008). At http://www.nihec.gov.au/internet/nihec/publishing.nsf/Content/terms (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[65] Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, ‘Annual Social Justice and Native Title Reports tabled in Parliament today’ (Media Release, 20 March 2008). At http://www.hreoc.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2008/30_08.html (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[66] Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, ‘Training to combat family violence on the ground in Indigenous communities’ (Media Release, 27 March 2008). At http://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/media/media_releases/2008/32_08.html (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[67] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Income Management Rollout Continues Across Northern Territory Communities’ (Media Release, 1 April 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/Internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/income_management_1apr2008.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[68] Minister for Health and Ageing, ‘New PBS listings for April 2008’ (Media Release, 1 April 2008). At http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr08-nr-nr037.htm?OpenDocument&yr=2008&mth=4 (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[69] Minister for Health and Ageing, ‘Indigenous Nurse Home Visiting Program To Commence’ (Media Release, 3 April 2008). At http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr08-nr-nr039.htm?OpenDocument&yr=2008&mth=4 (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[70] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘$6 Million to Tackle Family Violence in Indigenous Communities’ (Media Release, 6 April 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/family_violence_indig_06apr08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[71] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘First Footprints in Landmark Study of Indigenous Children’ (Media Release, 8 April 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/first_footprints_08apr08.htm, (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[72] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Extending the alcohol ban at Fitzroy Crossing’ (Media Release, 9 April 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/alcohol_ban_fitzroy_09apr08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[73] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Boost for mental health services in Western Australia’ (Media Release, 9 April 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/mental_health_9apr08.htm
(viewed 16 January 2009).
^[74] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister for Housing and Works, Indigenous Affairs, Heritage and Land Information, ‘Safe housing for young Indigenous Australians’ (Media Release, 10 April 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/indigenous_housing_10apr08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[75] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Northern Territory Chief Minister, and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel ‘Landmark housing project for NT Indigenous communities’ (Media Release, 12 April 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/landmark_housing_12aprl08.htm
(viewed 16 January 2009).
^[76] Minister for Health and Ageing, ‘NT Indigenous kids health blitz begins’ (Media Release, 14 April 2008). At http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr08-nr-nr053.htm?OpenDocument&yr=2008&mth=4 (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[77] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, The Health and Welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, 2008 (Speech delivered at the launch of the AIHW/ABS Report, 29 April 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/health_welfare_29apr08.htm(viewed 16 January 2009).
^[78] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister for Employment Participation, ‘Government timetable for Indigenous employment reforms announced’ (Media Release, 2 May 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/gov_timetable_30apr08.htm, (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[79] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister for Health and Ageing, ‘Maternal deaths high for Indigenous women’ (Media Release, 30 April 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/Internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/maternal_deaths_2may08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).

^[80] Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Closing The Gap (2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/budget/ministerial_statement/part1.htm (viewed 16 January 2009). Full details of the Indigenous Budget 2008-09 can be found online at: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/budget/ministerial_statement/appendix2.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[81] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister for Employment Participation, ‘Discussion paper on Indigenous employment reforms’ (Media Release, 18 May 2008). At
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/dis_paper_indig_19may08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[82] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Northern Territory Chief Minister, and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, ‘Historic Agreement for Groote Eylandt region’ (Media Release, 20 May 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/groote_eylandt_20may08.htm, (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[83] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Northern Territory Chief Minister, and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, ‘New Substance Abuse Intelligence Desk and Dog Operations Unit’ (Media Release, 20 May 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/nt_said_20may08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[84] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Deputy Chief Minister of the NT, and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, ‘First residential boarding facility on Tiwi Islands’ (Media Release, 20 May 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/tiwi_islands_20may08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[85] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘Greater flexibility in NT leases’ (Media Release, 29 May 2008). At http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/nt_lease_29may08.htm
(viewed 16 January 2009).
^[86] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘NT Emergency Response Review Board’ (Media Release, 6 June 2008). At
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/nt_emergency_reponse_06jun08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[87] Minister for Employment Participation, ‘Regional Partnership Agreement for Indigenous business growth’ (Media Release, 11 June 2008). At http://mediacentre.dewr.gov.au/mediacentre/oconnor/releases/regionalpartnershipagreementforindigenousbusinessgrowth.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[88] Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Parliament of Australia, Stolen Generations Compensation Bill 2008 Report, ch 1, s 1.3. At http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/legcon_ctte/stolen_generation_compenation/report/c01.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[89] Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Parliament of Australia, Stolen Generations Compensation Bill 2008 Report, ch 3. At http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/legcon_ctte/stolen_generation_compenation/report/b02.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[90] Minister for Home Affairs, ‘Additional funding for Aboriginal Legal Services’ (Media Statement, 19 June 2008). At http://www.alp.org.au/media/0608/msha190.php (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[91] Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘New service for Indigenous families gets underway’ (Media Release, 24 June 2008). At
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/indigenous_families_24june08.htm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[92] Prime Minister and Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, ‘National Policy Commission on Indigenous Housing Convenes for First Meeting’ (Media Release, 27 June 2008). At http://www.pm.gov.au/media/Release/2008/media_release_0332.cfm (viewed 16 January 2009).
^[93] Minister for Finance and Deregulation, ‘New evaluation reports Indigenous Business Australia and Family Violence Programs’ (Media Release, 27 June 2008). At
http://www.financeminister.gov.au/media/2008/mr_222008.html (viewed 16 January 2009).

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Social Justice Report 2008

Appendix 1: Chronology of events relating to the administration of Indigenous affairs,
1 July 2007 – 30 June 2008

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Social Justice Report 2008

Appendix 1: Chronology of events relating to the administration of Indigenous affairs, 1 July 2007 – 30 June 2008

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Appendix 1: Chronology of events relating to the administration of Indigenous affairs,
1 July 2007 – 30 June 2008