Membership of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Board
Current topicThe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Board, a peak advisory body to the Government on Indigenous issues, has recently begun a new 2 year term. The Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy, Judy Spence, announced the names of the twelve members. She said “The Board is now a mixture of experience and new blood with representation from regions across the State.” Four new members, with expertise in health, legal services and housing, have joined eight previous members, including the original and present Chair, Dr Robert Anderson.
Ms Spence paid tribute to the Board, which the Beattie Government established in July 1999, for gaining the trust of Indigenous communities and its leadership. Both the community and the Government have been provided with reliable advice on issues such as justice, family violence, cultural heritage, the Aborigines Welfare Fund and the Ten Year Partnership. There is potential for expansion in the future as Ms Spence has invited ATSIC to nominate two representatives for inclusion on the board
The members are:
- Chair: Dr Robert Anderson OAM, a Brisbane elder who chairs Reconciliation Queensland and is an experienced community and union activist.
- Ms Adrienne Barnett (new member), experienced in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services.
- Ms Cheryl Buchanan (previous Deputy Chair), experienced in education, legal services, the arts and corrective services.
- Ms Donna Chong (new member), a member of Doomadgee community who works as a housing coordinator.
- Mrs Rose Colless OAM, a Cairns Elder and recipient of a Human Rights Medal in 1987. Rose is experienced in housing, alcohol relief and the union movement.
- Associate Professor Jacinta Elston, Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Studies at James Cook University.
- Ms Barbara Flick (new member), a health professional and consultant.
- Ms Henry Garnier, Chairperson of the Island Coordinating Council, from Hammond Island.
- Ms Ruth Hegerty, a Brisbane Elder and author experienced in health and child care.
- Mr Richard Hoolihan, a TAFE teacher.
- Mr Thomas Hudson (new member), Chairperson of the Aboriginal Coordinating Council.
- Ms Penny Tripcony, experienced in tertiary eduction and Chair of the Queensland Indigenous Education Consultative Body.
