The State Government's plans to reform services to regions and remote communities is under way with key meetings in the Pilbara and Kimberley today and tomorrow.
The Regional Services Reform process being led by Regional Development Minister Terry Redman and Child Protection Minister Helen Morton is a catalyst for change to ensure a better co-ordination of services and improved outcomes for Aboriginal people living in remote and regional Western Australia.
Central to Regional Services Reform are the new Strategic Regional Advisory Councils which will hold their inaugural meeting in Port Hedland today and Broome tomorrow.
Mr Redman said the councils would provide high-level strategic advice on, and identify opportunities for, change that can be made to State Government expenditure, policies and governance to deliver better social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people.
"From our extensive travels, Mrs Morton and I have heard first hand that Aboriginal people in remote communities want change. They want more co-ordinated services, better infrastructure planning and most importantly, they want a genuine say in the future of their communities," he said.
Membership of the Pilbara and Kimberley councils includes regional Aboriginal advisors, relevant heads of State Government agencies, and a representative from each of the Commonwealth Government and not-for-profit sector.
Mrs Morton said the State Government was committed to working with its partners to improve services to remote communities and regions.
"A key message that we are hearing from the council members and communities is that Aboriginal people don't want the status quo," she said.
The eight local Aboriginal leaders are: Patrick Davies, Brenda Garstone, Mary O'Reeri and Martin Sibosado on the Kimberley council and Adrian Brahim, Kate George, Triscilla Holborow and Jason Masters on the Pilbara council.
Fact File
Each council will include the following: four State Government directors general, four Aboriginal community leaders, one senior representative of the not-for-profit sector, one senior Commonwealth representative and the State reform leader
The Strategic Regional Advisory Councils are set to meet periodically throughout 2016 and provide input directly to the Regional Services Reform Unit and its Ministers
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
Child Protection Minister's office - 6552 6900
