A truth and justice process is being established to formally recognise historic wrongs – and address ongoing injustices – for Aboriginal Victorians.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams announced the historic process Saturday 11 July 2020, which will be the first of its kind anywhere in Australia, and represents a significant step forward on Victoria’s path towards Treaty.
Truth telling also recognises the incredible strength and survival of Aboriginal people – ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
In partnership with the First Peoples’ Assembly, work will begin immediately to determine the terms of reference and how the process will work.
A New Agreement On Closing The Gap
The Victorian Government is acting on a new national agreement to combat Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage by further strengthening the state’s Aboriginal community-controlled sector.
The agreement sets an unprecedented new direction for the Closing the Gap strategy by boosting the role of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector – one of four priority reform areas.
Key targets include:
- Reduce incarceration rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults by at least 15 per cent by 2031
- Increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-34 who have completed a tertiary qualification to 70 per cent by 2031
- Improve employment or school rates (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to 67 per cent, those aged 25-64 to 62 per cent) by 2031
- Provide non-overcrowded housing to 88 per cent of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community by 2031.
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Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
State Government of Victoria
Address: 1 Treasury Place, East Melbourne Victoria 3002
Website: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au