Conclusion

3.1        The committee supports addressing Indigenous disadvantage by supplementing mainstream services with targeted Indigenous services and programs.

3.2        The committee notes that the needs of Tasmania’s Indigenous community are met through mainstream services designed to address disadvantage in the wider community. However, these programs are complemented by Indigenous specific programs and services provided by both the Commonwealth and the Tasmanian Governments.

3.3        The Commonwealth Government provides the greatest proportion of support received by Indigenous Tasmanians. The committee then notes that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Tasmania receive the benefit of Commonwealth funding on the same basis as other Australian jurisdictions. In 2012–13, direct Commonwealth Indigenous expenditure in Tasmania was estimated at $499 million with mainstream services accounting for 91 per cent and the remaining nine per cent provided through Indigenous specific services.[1]

3.4        The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) is the Commonwealth agency providing most Indigenous specific funding through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) and it was stressed to the committee that funding is provided on the basis of need. The committee notes the advice from PM&C that IAS remains open to any organisation in Tasmania that would like to submit an application where there is an identified need.[2]  

3.5        The Tasmanian Government also provides a range of Indigenous specific services and programs, providing $22 million in the 2016–17 Budget over the next four years.

3.6        The committee supports the current Commonwealth approach to determining eligibility for Indigenous service and programs. The committee welcomes the change by the Tasmanian Government to align eligibility for Indigenous services and programs with the Commonwealth approach, resulting in a nationally consistent approach. The committee notes that elements of the approach, such as the eligibility to participate in the use of management of Aboriginal land, are yet to be finalised.

Senator Jenny McAllister
Chair

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