The Local Government Association of South Australia’s (LGASA) Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has been approved by Reconciliation Australia.
LGASA Acting CEO, Mark Searle said Local Government is ideally placed to put reconciliation sentiments into positive and meaningful actions.
“The LGA’s Reconciliation Action Plan will provide leadership for Councils and our communities.
“Members of the LGA include SA’s 68 Local Government Act Councils and Anangu Pitjatjantjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) and our Associate Members.”
Mr Searle said Councils across South Australia are holding special community events to commemorate Reconciliation Week but more needs to be done to build relationships for the benefit of all Australians.
“The LGA’s policy is clear in our recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, not just during Reconciliation Week or on Sorry Day but by making defined and recognisable actions to create meaningful relationships and engender respect between all Australians and engaging all Australians in all aspects of society.
“The LGA is actively encouraging and supporting Councils, where appropriate, to enter into Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA) and around half of SA Councils have entered into a land use agreement to manage Native Title issues.
“We also actively encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South Australians to vote in Local Government Elections and to consider roles as Elected Members of Councils.
“The LGA’s RAP translates policy into achievable actions to recognise the significant contributions made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to the fabric of South Australian communities.”
National Reconciliation Week runs until 3 June.
