28 May 2018

Aboriginal peaks to sharpen advocacy efforts

Statement by NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (CAPO)

Peak Aboriginal organisations in New South Wales have reaffirmed their collective commitment to sharpen their advocacy for Aboriginal people through the Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (CAPO).

The peaks, comprising the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), the Aboriginal Child, Family and Community Care State Secretariat (AbSec), Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation, NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Incorporated   (NSW AECG Inc.), Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) NSW/ACT, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC) and the First Peoples Disability Network (FPDN), are sick of Governments sidelining Aboriginal peak organisations on Aboriginal issues.

CAPO has a collective experience of well over 200 years in addressing the needs of our communities. Governments need to respect Aboriginal self-determination and listen to the expertise of our organisations.

This year's 10-year anniversary of the Close the Gap policy underlines the need for more community-controlled policy responses in Aboriginal affairs.

Better outcomes in critical areas like health and education can only happen when Aboriginal people are included in the development and implementation of programs.

CAPO provides a strong, coordinated and united voice to address issues affecting Aboriginal people including health, education, housing, child and family supports, employment, disability support, legal equality and social justice.

CAPO will provide a positive agenda for change, that is better-informed and Aboriginal led.

CAPO will be active in its advocacy efforts to improve the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the 230,000 Aboriginal people we represent in New South Wales.

Contact: Michelle Aleksandrovics 0429 585 291