Premier

Gathering Sets A New Way Forward

19 May 2015

Representatives from the Aboriginal community today joined Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins, for a ‘Gathering’.

The Gathering included Aboriginal voices from across the state and highlights the Andrews Labor Government's more collaborative approach to Aboriginal Affairs.

Representatives were asked to identify the issues that they felt mattered to Aboriginal Victorians and to provide advice on a way forward.

The issues raised included self-determination, leadership, cultural strengthening and driving positive change.

The Gathering reflects the Labor Government’s commitment to working alongside Aboriginal Victorians in achieving better future outcomes and builds on Ms Hutchins' state-wide listening tour.

It will inform future policy directions and outcomes, with more discussions to be held between Ms Hutchins and broader representatives from Aboriginal communities.

Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews

"Just as Aboriginal people are the guardians of this land, so too should they be the guardians of their future."

"It’s not for government to dictate to Aboriginal Victorians what their future looks like. We need to be listening and working alongside Aboriginal people."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins

"Governments have done too much talking and not enough listening. We want to see Aboriginal Victorians at the centre of decision making."

"From my listening tour, I know that we achieve the best outcomes when we listen to Aboriginal voices."

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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