A Coalition of Indigenous Human Services is set to be established to provide Indigenous Queenslanders with more responsive supports.  

As part of the Indigenous service delivery reforms, the $1 million coalition aims to strengthen partnerships between the non-government and government human services sectors and address wider issues that affect the lives of Indigenous Queenslanders.

Communities minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said: “The coalition and the Queensland Government will work together to improve policies, and deliver best-practice service delivery for Indigenous clients and communities across the state.

The focus of its work will be laid on key areas impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including health, families, children’s wellbeing, legal services, education and housing.

She said  the coalition, initiated by Indigenous organisations, would contribute to the State Government’s efforts “to close the gap in life outcomes and opportunities” for Indigenous Queenslanders.

Shane Duffy from Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services said the move would enable the sector to engage in dialogue in a cooperative and collaborative way and provide timely advice to government.

“The coalition will work with the broader non-government sector to promote culturally responsive program delivery and strengthen the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders,” he said.

The coalition brings together representatives of the following organisations:

• Queensland Aboriginal & Islander Child Protection Partnership (QAICPP)
• Queensland Aboriginal & Islander Health Council (QAIHC)
• Aboriginal Legal Service
• SEQ Regional Indigenous Housing Network
• QN Regional Indigenous Housing Network
• Darumbal Youth Service
• The Murri School
• Queensland Indigenous Substance Misuse Council (QISMC)