- The Crisafulli Government Cabinet Ministers have met with Rural, Remote and Indigenous council leaders in Brisbane.
- Meeting strengthens the partnership between the State, Rural, Remote and Indigenous councils, and their elected community leaders.
- The former Labor Government neglected regional Queensland communities and failed to properly consult with Indigenous councils on key policies.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen partnerships with Rural, Remote and Indigenous councils, ensuring local elected leaders have the opportunity to raise the priorities of their communities with State Cabinet.
Yesterday’s meeting of the Rural and Remote Compact, Indigenous Leaders Accord and full State Cabinet in Brisbane provided a platform for Queensland’s most remote council leaders to discuss key issues and challenges facing their communities.
The meeting delivers on a key commitment under the Queensland Indigenous Council Leaders Accord, which provides for Accord Committee members to meet annually with Cabinet.
The Crisafulli Government is focused on building genuine and equal partnerships with councils and delivering practical and real outcomes for rural, remote and Indigenous communities through the Equal Partners in Government Agreement.
During their decade of decline, Labor neglected regional Queensland communities and the former Labor Government failed to properly consult with Indigenous councils on key policies, instead choosing to focus on stoking division.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the meetings demonstrated the Crisafulli Government’s continued commitment to direct dialogue with elected representatives.
“Rural, remote and Indigenous councils know their communities best, and it is important their leaders have a genuine seat at the table on the issues that matter to their communities,” Minister Leahy said.
“Yesterday’s meeting was about hearing from rural, remote and Indigenous council leaders, on their priorities and working together on practical solutions for their communities.
“We will continue building strong, productive partnerships with our remote council leaders and working as equal partners to deliver better outcomes for the communities they represent.”
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Compact and Accord were practical mechanisms to cut through red tape and get things done by bringing the decision-makers together.
“The Crisafulli Government is focused on delivering practical outcomes across Queensland and working with elected Mayors and Local Government to deliver for local communities,” Minister Simpson said.
“We are committed to working with Queenslanders in remote areas and helping them to overcome that geographical disadvantage.
“This is about less bureaucracy, more decisions getting made and delivering tangible outcomes.”
