Keeping the message on track at Joint Council

The Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory Aboriginal Corporation (APONT) will be represented at the Joint Council on Closing the Gap meeting, on Larrakia Country, in Darwin today (Friday 20 June).

The meeting brings together Aboriginal Peaks and Government representatives from across the continent as a mechanism to provide coordinated leadership for the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

APONT Chair and NT Joint Council representative, Dr John Paterson said, “We’re at a critical time in the Country, post-referendum and particularly in the Territory at a time of sorry business and unrest in our communities. Now is the time for our voices to be heard and uplifted again.

“Closing the Gap - this isn’t just a phrase to hear or ignore. There are people behind these words. There are lives at risk. The time to listen and work in partnership is now and not a moment later.”

The data on Closing the Gap reporting does not match the ambition of the National Agreement, and that is a national shame.

Dr Paterson said “We intend on making use of this opportunity to voice our solutions on issues affecting our people, while we’re meeting on our home ground of Darwin.

 “As APONT and Coalition of Peaks have always said, we’re committed to working together. Our message is one of resolve and commitment to the National Agreement; we have a prime opportunity to work with governments in genuine partnership and get better outcomes for our people.” Dr Paterson said.