How the commonwealth government can help stop Aboriginal welfare dependency

• negotiated at the community level;

• aim to achieve "joined up government", that is, a holistic and coordinated effort to support communities with their development plans; and

• aim to transfer responsibility to the families and communities.

4. The Commonwealth Government and ATSIC should support the proposal to establish Family Income Management trials at three communities in Cape York Peninsula: Aurukun, Coen and Mossman Gorge which is to be administered and developed by these communities on a voluntary basis. ATSIC should also continue to work with these communities to redevelop their CDEP programs so that the employment and community development objectives of the program can be revitalised.

5. As a first priority under Cape York Partnerships the Commonwealth Government and ATSIC should work with the Queensland Government and Apunipima Cape York Health Council and other regional organisations in the development of a strategy to combat grog abuse and violence and totally eradicate illicit drugs.

6. The Commonwealth Government and ATSIC should work with the Peninsula Regional Council and the people of Cape York in developing ideas for moving towards greater regional autonomy as set out in the 1999 discussion paper released by Senator John Herron and then ATSIC Chairman, Gatjil Djerrkura.

7. The Commonwealth Government and ATSIC should work with the Queensland Government and Cape York regional organisations to continue to progress the work that has been done with the private sector in the support of an economic development strategy for the region.

It remains to be seen what substantive support will be forthcoming from the Commonwealth Government for the directions we are seeking to chart for our people in Cape York Peninsula. No substantive support has yet been provided. It is one thing to have convergent analyses of the problems. There also needs to be a commitment to practical partnership by the Commonwealth Government.