Vision

Our vision is for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT to be fully engaged in shaping and creating their future wellbeing.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement

We work with the ACT Government and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to deliver the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019–2028.

The Agreement enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to exercise self determination and have the ability and resources to provide their own solutions.

ATSIEB Agreement

Functions under law

Under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body Act 2008, the Elected Body has the following functions:

  • to receive, and pass on to the Minister and any other Minister responsible for the matter that is the subject of concern, the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT on issues of concern to them
  • when asked by the Minister, to give the Minister information or advice about the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT on matters stated by the Minister
  • to represent, including nationally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT and to act as an advocate on systemic or whole-of-government issues affecting their interests
  • to foster community discussion about
    • issues of concern to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT
    • the functions of ATSIEB
    • this Act
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body.
  • to conduct regular consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT and report the outcomes of that consultation to the Minister and any other Minister responsible for the matter that is the subject of the consultation
  • to make recommendations to government agencies about research proposals that further the objects of this Act
  • to monitor and report on the effectiveness and accessibility of programs and services conducted by government agencies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT
  • to monitor and report on the accessibility by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT to programs and services conducted by government agencies for the general public
  • to provide advice to government agencies on appropriate representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT on consultative bodies established by government agencies
  • when asked by a government agency or another person, to recommend any reasonable action it considers necessary to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural material or information considered sacred or significant by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the ACT
  • any other function given to ATSIEB by the Minister
  • any other function given to ATSIEB under this Act or another territory law.

Acknowledgement of Country

 

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body acknowledges the traditional custodians of Canberra, and those who have made it their home. We celebrate their ongoing culture and contribution to the ACT and surrounding regions.