Jan Barham, Greens MP and spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs, has welcomed the NSW upper house’s passage of a motion calling on the Government to consider a key initiative to close the gap in health outcomes for older Indigenous people.

“This motion called on the NSW Government to consider lowering the eligibility age for the Seniors Card to 45 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I am pleased that the members of the Legislative Council across all parties supported it,” Ms Barham said.

“Making the Seniors Card available earlier is a simple, immediate way that we can ensure Indigenous people have improved access to primary health services. By having Seniors Card entitlements, including concession rates on transport and other discounts, we can help to overcome problems with the accessibility and affordability of health services.”

The motion was passed on National Close the Gap Day, a campaign that aims to eliminate the health inequality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians by 2030.

“On average, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can expect to live more than a decade less than other Australians. Closing this gap requires a range of solutions from governments at all levels. Seniors Card eligibility is one part of the solution,” Ms Barham said.

“The Aboriginal and Community Care Gathering Committee recommended this initiative, and other organisations involved in the health and human service sectors, including NCOSS, support it. This should be a broadly supported and effective reform.”

In its submission on the upcoming budget, NCOSS estimated that lowering the eligibility age would cost approximately $2 million per annum.

Ms Barham noted, “This is an investment worth making, and one that will pay back society as a whole. It will improve the lives of Indigenous people and deliver a more effective allocation of resources.”

“I look forward to the day when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people share in the expectation of a healthier and longer life.”

Jan Barham motion on Indigenous health inequality, agreed to 21 March 2013:

1. That this House notes that:

(a) Thursday, 21 March 2013 is National Close the Gap Day, a day of recognition that governments must achieve health equality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians by 2030,

(b) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a life expectancy that is consistently identified as being between 10 and 17 years less than the life expectancy of the general population,

(c) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience disability rates at 2.4 times the general population, and

(d) the NSW Government operates a number of support programs for older people aged 65 and over, where the eligibility age for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is lowered to 45 years of age, including NSW Home and Community Care Services, assistance under the Older Parent Carer Program and the provision by Housing NSW of accommodation in Seniors Communities.

2. That this House acknowledges the finding of the 2010-11 Australian Medical Association Indigenous Health Report Card that states that “Appropriate access to primary health care can narrow the life expectancy gap, and may also offset some of the harmful health effects of socio-economic disadvantage and inequality.”

3. That this House further acknowledges recommendation 5 of the NSW Aboriginal Community Care Gathering Committee’s Conference Report from 2006 which states that:

“Eligibility for the NSW Seniors Card should be extended to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the age of 45 years.”

4. That this House also acknowledges the NSW Aboriginal Community Care Gathering Committee’s Policy Position ratified in June 2011, specifically noting:

(a) Guiding Principle #8: “In acknowledging that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a reduced life expectancy compared to other people in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be eligible for aged care and other seniors’ services from the age 45 years. Until life expectancies for all are similar, eligibility from age 45 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would ensure that they equitably receive the very necessary support services and other benefits afforded to other older people in Australia.”

(b) Recommendation 5: All programs providing support and other services to older people must ensure that the age criteria for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people start at 45 years.

(c) Recommendation 6: Aged Care Assessments must be available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from age 45 years if necessary, not 50 years.

(d) Recommendation 7: The NSW Seniors Card must be available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from age 45 years.

5. That this House calls on the State Government to consider lowering the eligibility age for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be entitled to receive the NSW State Seniors Card to 45 years of age and for this new eligibility age to come into effect from July 1st 2013.

Jan Barham, Greens MP and spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs, has welcomed the passage of her motion supporting Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by the NSW Legislative Council.

“The passage of the Act of Recognition through the Senate last week was another important step toward Constitutional Recognition, but it is crucial that politicians across all Parliaments and parties help build support for a referendum,” Ms Barham said.

“The Parliament passed an amendment to the NSW Constitution in 2010, and now the upper house has thrown its support behind constitutional change for Australia. I hope the Premier and his Government will work toward ensuring public support for Constitutional Recognition.”

The motion that was passed by the Legislative Council also recognised the contributions of the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians, along with community organisations such as Recognise, for their work in establishing the path toward a Commonwealth Referendum.

“It is a credit to the dedication of many people and organisations that Indigenous recognition has finally been achieved in the Commonwealth Parliament. The next step is for everyone who supports Constitutional change to make their voice heard,” Ms Barham said.

“I encourage all MPs across our states and territories to seek their Parliament’s expression of support for Constitutional Recognition. A demonstration that our politicians across all parties support a ‘yes’ vote would help to ensure that this referendum would see support as strong as at the Indigenous referendum in 1967.”

“Now is the time for everyone who cares about this issue to make their voice heard. People should contact their elected representatives and ask them to commit their public support to Constitutional change.”

NSW Legislative Council Hansard, 19 March 2013 – Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians:

Motion by the Hon. JAN BARHAM agreed to:

1. That this House notes that:
(a) the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012 was passed by the Commonwealth House of Representatives on 13 February 2013 and passed by the Senate on 12 March 2013,
(b) the bill provides parliamentary recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first occupants of Australia, and acknowledges their continuing relationship with their traditional lands and waters and their continuing cultures, languages and heritage,
(c) the bill establishes a process of review of support for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution, and
(d) the bill was passed with multiparty support.

2. That this House:
(a) recognises that the continent and the islands now known as Australia were first occupied by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
(b) acknowledges the continuing relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with their traditional lands and waters, and
(c) acknowledges and respects the continuing cultures, languages and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

3. That this House acknowledges the work of the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians and community organisations such as Recognise in establishing the path toward a Referendum on Constitutional Recognition.

4. That this House expresses its support for constitutional change for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia’s Constitution.

On January 19th, an expert panel handed the Prime Minister a unanimous report recommending five important changes to the Australian Constitution to appropriately recognise our indigenous people. Jan warmly welcomes these proposed changes and thanks everyone who took part in the public consultation process, in particular the panel members including the Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal Affairs, Senator Rachel Siewert. Jan looks forward to all levels of government working together to take this important issue to a referendum.

A copy of the full Report can be found at: http://www.youmeunity.org.au/final-report

A summary and analysis of the report from Jan’s office can be found here:  Briefing Paper – Constitutional Recognition Report

Fom 1 July 2012 compulsory income management will be introduced in Bankstown. The NSW Greens have joined the campaign to Say No to Income Management – Not in Bankstown, Not Anywhere!

What is income management? Income management or welfare quarantining means half a person’s Centrelink payment is managed by Centrelink. People targeted will be issued with a “BasicsCard” only to be used to buy certain goods in selected shops. Centrelink can use this money to pay bills like rent and power but not others such as phone bills.

Public meeting: Senator Lee Rhiannon will speak at a public meeting at 1pm on 15 December 2011, at the Civic Tower, 66-72 Rickard Rd, Bankstown. Click to download a copy of the  No to Income Management in Bankstown Leaflet.

WHY DO THE GREENS OPPOSE INCOME MANAGEMENT?

It doesn’t work - international research shows that welfare quarantining doesn’t keep children or families healthy and out of poverty.

It’s expensive - welfare quarantining means more money spent on red tape and staff salaries. $38 million has been budgeted for the 10 trial sites alone.

It’s impractical - the BasicsCard forces families to shop at particular stores, usually the large stores where goods may be more expensive.

Other solutions are available - there is strong evidence that voluntary income management programs and family budget planning can help reduce poverty.

Check out other posts about Jan’s questions in NSW Parliament about Income Management by searching this site under “Income Management”.

Visit the websites of Australian Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon and Senator Rachel Siewert  for their work in the Australian Parliament on compulsory income management.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN?

Join the campaign to Say ‘NO’ to income management, not in Bankstown not anywhere! Visit www.sayno2gim.info to endorse the campaign and sign the petition.

Find and like on Facebook and follow on Twitter @say_no_2_gov_im

Tell the decision-makers what you think

Write to your local MPs and Federal Ministers. As income management requires the support of State Governments, also write to the NSW Premier and NSW Minister for Family and Community Services.

Premier Barry O’Farrell

GPO Box 5341, Sydney NSW 2001

Ph 02 9228 5239

Fax 02 9228 3935

office@premier.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward

Level 34 Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000

Ph 02 9228 5413, Fax 02 9228 5501

office@goward.minister.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services andIndigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin 

Federal Parliament House

CANBERRA ACT 2600

Ph 03 9459 1411 Fax 03 9457 5721

jenny.macklin.mp@aph.gov.au

On 10 November 2011, Jan made a speech in the NSW Parliament in support of an exciting community driven multimedia project, auspiced by the Taree Indigenous Development and Employment (TIDE). The project engages 10 to 15-year-old at-risk Aboriginal youth in film-making. One of the recent films developed by the project, entitled RESPECT, was cast with 100% Aboriginal talent  and presents an uplifting real life drama about respect for the Elders in a contemporary Aboriginal community on Australia’s Mid North Coast.

The project has a number of partners but is currently seeking funding to continue to operate in TAFE across the region in coming years. To find out more about the project visit Forster Films at http://www.forsterfilmfestival.com.au/ (Project Coordinator Greg Smith). Copies of the DVD are available to community groups, donations of $10 for the DVD are encouraged to support the project.

Jan also hosted a meeting in NSW Parliament about the project earlier this year. Scroll down to see a copy of Jan’s Adjournment Speech!

Jan Barham MLC (third from right) with supporters of the RESPECT Project including (from left) Nathan Moran CEO Birpai Land Council , John Clarke OAM Chair Biripi Medical Centre, Chair Ganga Marrang, CEO TIDE; Sheree Drylie CEO Forster Land Council; Linda Burney MP; Dr Stephen Jurd Associate Professor Clinical Psychiatry Sydney University; Rosie Herbert PACE Coordinator TIDE; Chris Sheed OA Manager TIDE; Mark Rutherford Client Services Officer Probation and Parole Mid North Coast; Leah New Engagement Officer Forster Films

ADJOURNMENT SPEECH Legislative Council, 10 November 2011

The Hon. JAN BARHAM [6.05 p.m.]: The Respect Project is a multimedia project operating on the mid North Coast that focuses on 10-year-old to 15-year-old Aboriginal youth. It uses film-making processes to provide a way to address their real-life dramas. For several years the Respect Project has been engaging Aboriginal community members in the development of short films, providing insight into traditional Aboriginal stories and culture. The Respect Project is targeted at young people at risk and their families, especially those who have had contact with the criminal justice system. The project brings together local Aboriginal land councils, the police, Corrective Services, community development bodies and education providers, among others, with the support of non-government organisations such as Great Lakes Community Resources and the Forster Film Festival.

The project has most recently published a film and DVD resource entitled Respect, which features local Aboriginal actors. It focuses on issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, history, culture and respect within these communities. Respect has been shown and well-received in schools, detention centres, prisons and offender programs across the region. In relation to the film His Honour Judge J. C. Nicholson, SC, said, “The film ‘Respect’ does more in 30 minutes than I achieve in a two-hour summation in a six-year sentence.”

On 18 October I was invited by the Respect Project to host a discussion about the project. The Attorney General, and Minister for Justice and the member for Canterbury both attended the discussion to speak with members of the board of directors of the Respect Project about a proposed expansion into TAFEs across the mid North Coast. I thank them for their interest and ongoing attention to this project. I note that funding had previously been made available under the previous Minister for Community Services, the member for Canterbury. Local Aboriginal community representatives included Nathan Moran, the Chief Executive Officer of the Birpai Land Council; John Clark, OAM, the Chair of the Biripi Medical Centre and Chief Executive Officer of the Taree Indigenous Development and Employment; Sheree Drylie, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forster Land Council; and Mark Rutherford, the Aboriginal Liaison Officer with Corrective Services.

These people were amongst the project members who spoke eloquently at the meeting about the positive impact that the project has had on their communities. The mid North Coast region is amongst those in New South Wales experiencing a growing number of young Aboriginal people in detention. As a result of engagement with the project, these local organisations have been able to trace a significant decrease in antisocial behaviour and reoffending of young people in their communities. I have spoken before in this place about the power of art to bring communities together and to tackle difficult issues in a meaningful way. The Respect Project is an excellent example of this.

Members may also recall another highly successful multimedia project that worked with Aboriginal young people at risk called Koori Exchange, which operated in Cranebrook in western Sydney. It was recently profiled on the ABC’s 7.30 Report. By engaging young people in the research, writing, filming, acting, production and screening of short films, and by telling the stories that young people want to tell, projects such as the Respect Project build the leadership skills of these young people and help them front difficult issues. It also provides them with vocational skills and TAFE certification in some circumstances.

The Respect Project is also an excellent example of a community-government partnership, with resources for the project pooled from a number of different areas. Financial support for the project has included funding from the former Department of Community Services. The project has been successful because of the hard work and personal dedication of individuals. However, it is a sad reality that even highly successful projects find it a constant struggle to maintain funding.

A reduction in offenders leads to significant financial savings to a range of government services and prevents trauma to individuals and families who are impacted by violence. Other members in this place, including The Greens justice spokesperson, Mr David Shoebridge, have spoken about the importance of supporting justice reinvestment programs as a way to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It is heartening to see the willingness of this new Government to consider such approaches. I urge members in this place to consider ways to ensure that projects such as the Respect Project are given the support they deserve. I offer the opportunity to any member who is interested in watching the film to contact me and I will make it available for their viewing.

On 22 October I was pleased to attend the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Arakwal Indigenous land use agreement [ILUA], which led to the creation of Arakwal National Park at Byron Bay. The ILUA was the first of its kind in Australia and paved the way for other similar agreements around the country. The ILUA and the jointly managed park continues to deliver cultural, economic and environmental benefits for the whole community.

 I had the privilege of playing an active role is the long process that led to development of the Arakwal ILUA, and congratulate all those involved, particularly the Bunjalung Elders who continue to drive the partnership.

 View the National Parks and Wildlife Service photos gallery of the event at http://www.flickr.com/photos/24446199@N08/6275286303/in/photostream/

Indigenous Constitutional Recognition Submission

Greens NSW Indigenous policy

Mr Ian Cohen MLC – Second Reading Speech to the Legislative Council of the NSW Parliament regarding Constitution Amendment (Recognition of Aboriginal People) Bill 2010

Ms Barham to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Hunter, and Vice-President of the Executive Council representing the Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

Question

9 September 2011

The Hon. JAN BARHAM: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. The new State Plan includes a target to close the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people within a generation. How many extra jobs would need to be created for Aboriginal people in New South Wales to reach the Government’s target? How many of the 100,000 new jobs that the New South Wales Government is aiming to create will be targeted for Aboriginal people?

The Hon. MICHAEL GALLACHER: That is a good question. I assure the honourable member that I will get an answer from the Minister and report back to her as soon as I can.

Answer

15th September 2011

The Hon. MICHAEL GALLACHER: On 24 August 2011 the Hon. Jan Barham asked me, representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, a question without notice regarding Aboriginal programs and services. The Minister for Aboriginal affairs has provided the following response:

The recently announced Ministerial Taskforce of Aboriginal Affairs will be the New South Wales Government’s peak body and structure to consult with Aboriginal people. The Taskforce will determine a new direction for Aboriginal affairs consultation and service delivery in New South Wales.

Aboriginal Affairs New South Wales is the key agency that provides advice to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on all matters affecting Aboriginal people.

Every department is required to have processes in place and a commitment to consult with peak Aboriginal bodies and organisations.