Saturday 2 November 2002, Media Release

NSW SERVICE DELIVERY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT -
THE WAY FORWARD

The Premier of NSW, Mr Bob Carr and two of the state's peak Indigenous organisations today signed a significant agreement that will help deliver better services to Indigenous people.

The NSW Government, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), signed the agreement in Sydney this afternoon.

Mr Carr said the agreement commits all parties to focus on improving existing structures, relationships and governance.

"This means better coordinated and targeted services," Mr Carr said.

The NSW Service Delivery Partnership Agreement was signed by Premier Carr, ATSIC Chairman Geoff Clark, ATSIC NSW Commissioners Steve Gordon, Christine Williams and Des Williams and NSWALC Chairman Les Trindall, NSWALC Secretary Ivern Ardler and NSWALC Treasurer Robert Lester.

Mr Carr said the agreement recognises the key service delivery role played by ATSIC and NSWALC in partnership with government.

"It complements existing agreements between Indigenous organisations and the NSW Government," Mr Carr said.

ATSIC Chairman Geoff Clark said the agreement is seen by all parties as a new way of doing business with, and for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW.

"It follows the signing of similar agreements by the current ATSIC Board with State and Territory Governments around the country as part of a deliberate strategy to engage with those who deliver the bulk of mainstream programs to our people.

"All of these agreements are underpinned by recognition of Indigenous rights and all parties must now ensure that proper resources are brought to bear to ensure better outcomes for our people," Mr Clark said.
NSWALC Chairman Les Trindall said it was an important agreement that will give the land council network a central and equal role in future decision making

"Our members are particularly happy that this agreement will work towards building on the existing structure of the land council network at regional and local levels.

"It will also give our members the opportunity to be more pro-actively involved in programs from their conception to operation," Mr Trindall said.

Indicators to measure progress on outcomes and improvements in service delivery as well as transparent accountability are key components of the agreement. The parties are committed to outcomes and to evaluating the impact of the agreement.

Copyright © 2007-2010 NSWALC