PARLIAMENTARIANS HEAR CONGRESS AGENDA

The National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples strongly advocated priority issues this week in Canberra, including achieving a bipartisan response to Constitutional change and the imminent debate in Parliament of the Northern Territory Stronger Futures legislation.

Co-Chairs Les Malezer and Jody Broun said the Congress National Board used its first meeting of 2012 to reset the relationship with Parliamentarians through meetings and briefings, including with the Opposition Leader Mr Abbott.

“The Board welcomed the opportunity to have positive, frank discussions with politicians and especially Mr Abbott,” said Mr Malezer.

“Mr Abbott has experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and we look forward to forging an honest and effective relationship with him and the Coalition.

“The meeting follows last year’s discussions with the Prime Minister and is part of a Congress commitment to work with the whole Parliament and the Independents, Greens, Government and Opposition, he said.

Ms Broun said the individual meetings and the briefing of around 30 MPs, Senators and political staffers were a critical part of achieving better political outcomes.

“This is the first of many forums where we will argue our case on priority issues,” said Ms Broun.

“We welcome the broad cross section and representation across the parties who heard our direct opposition to aspects of the Northern Territory legislation and our arguments for adopting the recommendations of the Expert Panel.

“It was a productive session and MPs were open and positive about working with Congress,” she said.

Download the pdf of the Media Release here.