-- Graham Young Phone: 61 7 3252 1470 W 61 7 3252 1471 F 0411 104 801 M Home Page: http://www.onlineopinion.com.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy/Womens Policy/Fair Trading, HON. JUDY SPENCE 2/12/99 Women's historic report on violence The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy and Women's Policy, Judy Spence, today released an historic report by Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women into violence in their communities. The Report of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Task Force on Violence has the potential to galvanise Indigenous people to take action against the violence that touches too many Indigenous families, Ms Spence said. "The report is the product of a Task Force of 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from throughout Queensland. "A year ago, the women decided it was time to take action against the tragedy of family violence. They asked the Queensland Government for support to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout the State, and to write this report. "For the first time in Queensland, a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have presented the Government with a report that turns the microscope on their own families and communities. "The Government plans to respond with a whole-of-Government strategy early in 2000. "Some of the recommendations relate to Federal responsibilities, and I will be seeking support and extra funding commitments from the Federal Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Senator John Herron," Ms Spence said. "Senator Herron has said the Federal Government commits $6 million over four years to Indigenous family violence issues. That means $1.5 million per annum for the entire country. On Cape York alone, $1.5 million would barely build two shelters." The Minister tabled the report, which has more than 300 pages and makes 123 recommendations, in Queensland Parliament today. The Task Force chair, Boni Robertson, said: "For too long Governments and communities have come up with excellent ideas for change. These ideas invoke a lot of community enthusiasm, but then fall short. "The time for change is now. The way to change is for Government and our communities to work in collaboration, where people come together and talk in an open and honest way." Ms Spence said the Government wanted to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and was already striving to address many of the issues highlighted by the Task Force. "The report will guide the Government in supporting communities that are saying "enough", and stepping forward with their own solutions," Ms Spence said. "I congratulate the women of the Task Force for their work, and thank the hundreds of people who bared their souls and told their stories to the Task Force members." The report will be available on the website of the Office of Women's Policy: www.qldwoman.qld.gov.au Media contact: Fiona Kennedy 3227 8825 // 0409 061 266
