2025-12-02
ACT Greens back new legislation to strengthen government accountability and advance First Nations justice.
"The ACT Greens are proud to support this legislation. It marks an important step towards reconciliation, and we will continue to advocate for meaningful progress", said Andrew Braddock MLA, ACT Greens spokesperson for the public service.
“Reconciliation begins with listening to First Nations communities and requires both respect and a proactive approach to First Nations-led reform."
“As lawmakers in positions of power, we must recognise how the system continues to block reconciliation and take active steps to change that.”
"Over the last two and a half centuries, governments have taken away First Nations children from their families, incarcerated them at a disproportionate rate, and only widened the gap."
This Bill tangibly embeds Closing the Gap objectives directly into the ACT Public Service, requiring Senior Executive officers to actively work towards, and be accountable for, delivering these outcomes.
“While the ACT Greens welcome this legislation, it is essential that this and future governments not only listen to but genuinely engage with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body, who play a vital role in delivering Closing the Gap outcomes in the ACT.”
Government accountability is essential to delivering justice for First Nations peoples.
"This government must clearly explain the rationale behind which recommendations from the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body it chooses to implement, and, importantly, why it chooses not to implement others.”
“Closing the Gap cannot rise or fall on the priorities of the government of the day, it requires genuine, consistent and long-term commitment.”
"The Greens support this reform and will continue to work tirelessly to support reconciliation and self-determination for the Traditional Custodians and First Nations Peoples of the ACT.