Seven new members of the ACT's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body have been welcomed following an official declaration by the ACT Electoral Commission on Friday.
The incoming representatives include Maurice Walker, Billy T Tompkins, Deanne Booth, Helen Wright, Kaylene Mcleod, Vicky Bradley and Bradley Bell.
In welcoming the new members Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith reaffirmed the ACT government's commitment to supporting and strengthening the Elected Body.
"The Elected Body remains critical to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT," Ms Stephen-Smith said.
"It is an important mechanism for holding the ACT Government to account and I know the new members will be a strong voice for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in the ACT."
In addition to declaring the new members, the ACT government also announced $1.19 million in the 2023-24 Budget Review to increase the capacity, independence, and long-term sustainability of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body.
The government said as part of the changes, an independent First Nations-led review of the Elected Body model will occur to ensure its effectiveness and that it best meets the needs and views of the community.
"This term of the Elected Body is critical for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the ACT Government to deliver on the commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"Governments must do more to close the gap. However, we cannot do this alone – we must respect the principle of self-determination and work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and community-controlled organisations."
Minister Stephen-Smith also expressed her gratitude to outgoing chair and deputy chair of the Elected Body, Tanya Need and Paula McGrady.
"Throughout their term, I have appreciated their forthright advice and advocacy and that of all Elected Body members. Their commitment, strength and leadership in representing the First Nations community has been remarkable," she said.
"I look forward to working with the new Elected Body members to make meaningful change to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Canberrans."
Established under the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008, the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body aims to ensure that Indigenous peoples in the ACT have a strong, democratically elected voice that can advocate on the needs and aspirations of the community.
The Elected Body will also be supported by an independent Secretariat in this term, to ensure it can operate in a way that is consistent with the principle of self-determination.
