First Nations Telegraph

The Central Land Council has pledged to work closely with the new Australian Government to progress overdue policy reforms.

 

“I congratulate Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and incoming Aboriginal Affairs Minister Linda Burney, and look forward to help fast-track decent housing and jobs in our remote communities,” CLC chair Robert Hoosan said.

 

“Aboriginal peak organisations have developed a strong model for the creation of real jobs with which we want the new government to replace the Coalition government’s failed work-for-the-dole scheme.

 

 “We would also like to talk with Mr Albanese and Ms Burney about working with us to keep our young people out of trouble,” he said.

 

Mr Hoosan is an elder and youth worker who teaches bush skills to young men at risk. As one of the delegates who negotiated the Uluru Statement for the Heart in 2017, he welcomed Ms Burney’s plan to consult with those who delivered the statement to the nation.

 

“Let’s all work together to finally get the Uluru Statement implemented in full,” Mr Hoosan said.

 

“We have been ready for a long time, and now the country is ready too.”

 

He was heartened to hear the Prime Minister make this promise at the start of his victory speech on Saturday night.

 

“I trust it means something that this was the first thing Mr Albanese said to the country. “It gives me real hope that, unlike Bob Hawke’s treaty promise, this promise will be kept,” he said.