The new season is bringing a range of new projects for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Queensland’s urban and regional communities.
In July, I launched the state government’s new LEAP — Learning, Earning, Active Places strategy. We’re now seeing individual strategy actions start to blossom.
There are 20 across-government actions with measurable definitions for their achievement, but the strategy is much, much more than merely a government effort.
LEAP is about creating a community-wide movement to improve Indigenous outcomes in education, employment, health and housing.
With hard work and commitment, we can help close the gap and see Queensland’s First Australians continue to grow and prosper.
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There have been some significant native title determinations in recent weeks.
On 4 July, the Federal Court of Australia recognised the Quandamooka People’s rights to Minjerribah and parts of Moreton Bay off Brisbane. There’s a feature story about it later in this magazine.
On 31 August, I had the honour of attending the Federal Court of Australia’s declaration of the Wanyurr Majay People’s native title rights and interests over land near Babinda.
The Wanyurr Majay People first made their claim in September 2008, so it has been a relatively speedy native title process. I was delighted to be able to share their celebrations.
One day later, on 1 September, I attended celebrations to mark the recognition of the Djiru People’s native title rights and interest over their traditional lands around Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, South Mission Beach and El Arish.
The Federal Court’s decision was particularly significant given that this part of Queensland suffered much pain in the wake of cyclone Yasi.
The court’s determination was the result of claims first made by the Djiru People in 2003.
In both the Wanyurr Majay and Djiru cases, the Traditional Owners have entered into Indigenous land use agreements which involve them in helping to care for their country.
These decisions bring the number of native title determinations in Queensland to 62 and the number of determinations by consent to 56.
This is an achievement of which all Queenslanders can be proud.
Curtis Pitt, MP
Minister for Disability Services, Mental Health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
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