Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine has warmly welcomed the Prime Minister’s renewed commitment to reconciliation and treaty-making during his speech to parliament this morning.

She acknowledged his admission that a new approach is needed after only 11 out of 19 socio- economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are improving and only four are on track to meet agreed targets.

“This is profoundly disappointing but not surprising given the Productivity Commission’s recent review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap which found successive Governments had continued to adopt a ‘we know best” attitude and a “disregard” for the advice of First Nations communities and organisations,” Ms Mundine said.

“Governments must fundamentally reform the way they engage with First Nations peoples and value our lived experiences and expertise.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations must lead the design and implementation of the close the gap strategy if the targets are to be met.  

“It is a positive sign that the Prime Minister has listened to long-standing calls from the First Nations childcare sector and will appoint a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children,” she said.

Ms Mundine said that one of the key lessons learned by the reconciliation movement over the past decades is that relationships, respect, and listening were preconditions for success.

“At the heart of reconciliation is the need to build respectful relationships and listen to, and act on, the opinions, advice and expertise of First Nations people.

“Our Reconciliation Action Plan partners know this truth; that developing trusting relationships, that respecting First Nations peoples and cultures and acting on their expert opinions makes for better outcomes.

“Across Australia companies, sporting clubs and codes, cultural institutions and thousands of schools are experiencing the benefits that come from respect and reconciliation.”

“Acting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander expert advice works and if we are to build a just and reconciled country, Governments must learn this truth,” said Ms Mundine.

Reconciliation Australia’s national survey, the Australian Reconciliation Barometer, found that most Australians agree that more should be done by governments to close the gap across health, education, justice, and employment.