Elevating Indigenous voices

Quotes can be attributed to Pat Turner AM

Pat Turner AM, Lead Convener of the Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations (Coalition of Peaks) and one of Australia’s most prominent Indigenous leaders, is working with all Australian governments to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, signed in 2020.

“I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to do both the Voice to Parliament and work in partnership to Close the Gap in life outcomes for our people.”

“As the Prime Minister has said: “When a government listens to people with experience, with earned knowledge of kinship and country and culture and community, when we trust in the value of self-determination and empowerment, then the policies and programs are always more effective.” That is what the Coalition of Peaks is currently doing, in partnership with the government.”

“Our members undertake service delivery across Australia to some 500,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait people, working in partnership with the government through the National Agreement. Our members are on country, working in and for our communities, to make a difference in our people’s lives.”

“The work of the Coalition of Peaks under the National Agreement and other mechanisms to elevate Indigenous voices are parallel and complementary activities. It’s not an either / or prospect.”

Find out more about the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and its targets at www.coalitionofpeaks.org.au