Expressions of Interest are open for membership to the Aboriginal Advisory Council of Western Australia (The Council), the WA Government has announced.
Established under Section 18 of the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972, the Council is a Government board providing advice to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and the State Government on matters relating to the interests and well-being of Aboriginal people across Western Australia.
“The Cook Government is committed to continue collaboration with the AACWA to help to improve economic, social and cultural outcomes for Aboriginal Western Australians,” said Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Dr Tony Buti.
“In the past five years, the Council has made a number of achievements including bringingtogether Aboriginal Advisory Groups across the WA Public Sector through the first Culture at the Heart Forum, co-designing the transformational whole-of-Government Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy, became the key strategic partner in the implementation of Closing the Gap in WA, and helped develop the first Western Australian Aboriginal Expenditure Review 2022-23, led by the Department of Treasury.
“I would encourage Aboriginal people to consider this opportunity to help build a better future for the next generation of First Nations people.”
Minister Buti said the Council leads the way in decision-making and dialogue regarding issues affecting the recognition and rights, leadership and vision, expertise, well-being, and integrity of Aboriginal communities.
The Council is also the WA Government’s key strategic partner in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, providing advice and guidance on the State’s implementation.
The Council meets approximately six times per year in Perth, providing advice on a range of policy matters to Government agencies and at times Ministers.
The current membership is made up of Western Australian Aboriginal leaders, reflecting a diversity of genders, regional experience, and professional backgrounds.
Application packages are available on the Department of the Premier and Cabinet’s website or by contacting the Secretariat either by emailing AACWA@dpc.wa.gov.au or by phoning (08) 6552 5000.
Applications close at 8:00pm on 18 March 2024.