Update on parliamentary Inquiry into the needs of urban dwelling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

An update on the progress of the ‘Inquiry into the needs of country and metropolitan urban dwelling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples‘ by the Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. The Committee was requested by Senator the Hon John Herron, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, to inquire into the present and ongoing needs of country and metropolitan urban dwelling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Committee is reviewing written submissions as well as conducting a series of public hearings and inspections in urban centres throughout Australia to gather evidence to assist it in its inquiry.

The Committee will inquire into the nature of existing programs and services provided to Indigenous people in urban areas and consider:

• the nature of existing programs and services available to urban dwelling Indigenous Australians, including the ways to more effectively deliver services considering the special needs of these people;
• the ways to extend the involvement of urban Indigenous people in decision making affecting their local communities, including partnership governance arrangements;
• the situation and needs of Indigenous young people in urban areas, especially relating to health, employment, education and training programs and homelessness (including access to services funded from the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program);
• the maintenance of Indigenous culture in urban areas, including, where appropriate, ways in which maintenance can be encouraged;
• opportunities for economic independence in urban areas; and
• urban housing needs ant the particular problems and difficulties associated with urban areas.

One submission that has attracted attention is from the ‘Grannies Group’ in South Australia.

Grannies act to ‘save our children’ House of Representatives Bulletin; 9 (July/August) 2001
The ‘Grannies Group’ began as a few friends meeting to help Aboriginal women re-entering the community after prison. This group has now expanded into a general support network for Aboriginal families in Adelaide. They help young Aboriginals with drug and alcohol problems and provide assistance to women and children facing domestic violence. They also promote the local Aboriginal community’s cultural heritage through visiting schools, story telling, dance sessions, language groups and advice on traditional parenting skills.

Based on their knowledge and experience, the Grannies Group has recently made a submission to a parliamentary inquiry being conducted by the House of Representatives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee. For a copy of the Grannies Group submission and the transcript of their hearing with the Committee: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/atsia

Ph: (02) 6277 4559 Email: atsia.reps@aph.gov.au