NSW Coalition of Peak Organisations to hold Closing the Gap accountability workshops

Callan Morse Published February 6, 2024 at 11.35am (AWST)

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NSW CAPO Senior Engagement Officer, Mas Banu says the workshops will enable Aboriginal people in NSW to hold the government accountable for the promises made in the Closing the Gap agreement. (Image: National NAIDOC)

New South Wales' Indigenous community are being invited to attend workshops facilities by the NSW Coalition of Peak Organisations to discuss government accountability for the Closing the Gap agreement.

Signed by all Australian governments in 2020, the agreement is a commitment between Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and government to work in partnership to address disparities experienced by Aboriginal peoples in comparison to the non-Indigenous population.

Areas include sectors such as health, education, justice, families, housing, culture, digital inclusion, and land and water.

NSW Coalition of Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO) Senior Engagement Officer, Mas Banu, says the organisation is committed to seeing promises made under the agreement implemented.

"As part of our ongoing efforts to fulfill this commitment, NSW CAPO is spearheading the design of an organisation that will enable Aboriginal people in NSW to hold the government accountable for the promises made in the Closing the Gap agreement," Mr Banu said.

"This organisation could take various forms, such as the reform and/or expansion of an existing body, the establishment of a new organisation, or the appointment or election of a leader(s) like a Commissioner."

A collective of peak bodies for ACCOs working to provide a strong, independent and united voice to address issues affecting Aboriginal people living in the state, NSW CAPO says it is committed to engaging with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and the engagement process will be targeted and meaningful, ensuring that Aboriginal voices are central to the design.

"In 2023, we visited communities to start designing an accountability organisation, now we want to yarn with Aboriginal people to ask for feedback on the draft functions and features of the organisation we've designed," Mr Banu said.

"Key questions for community input will include, are the draft functions accurate, which are most important, what should they look like in practice, and are any crucial elements missing?"

NSW CAPO is encouraging interested individuals and organisations to participate in the consultation sessions to ensure the proposed accountability organisation reflects the needs and aspirations of New South Wales' Aboriginal communities.

"Together, we can work towards a future where Aboriginal voices are heard, respected and empowered in shaping government policies and services," Mr Banu said.

NSW CAPO Government Accountability Workshops