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This appendix provides an overview of the main events with regard to the administration of Indigenous affairs to 30 June 2006. It commences with a summary table and is followed by a detailed description of each event.

Home page of the Senate Inquiry into the Australian Telecommunications Network http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/ecita_ctte/tele_network/Index.htm

Many country towns are witnessing cutbacks and are finding it difficult to attract health professionals. This is troubling considering that the health of rural and remote Australians continues to be significantly worse than their urban counterparts

1.1 Introduction This year marks 20 years since the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner (Social Justice Commissioner) role under the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth). When I first started in this position I was asked if any of the previous Commissioners had left any words or notes of advice. I answered them ‘no, but they all…

In my role as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner I am required to produce two annual reports on Indigenous human rights issues – the Social Justice Report and the Native Title Report.

Do you work in women’s services? Do you work in women’s housing? Women’s health? Violence against women? Women’s support services? Discrimination issues?

Australia is a wealthy nation. In 2003, Australia ranked fourth in the United Nations Human Development Index (1) indicating Australians enjoyed one of the highest qualities of life in the world. Overall, Australia ranks equal fourth with the highest life expectancy at birth (79.0 years) suggesting Australians are among the healthiest people in the world. (2)

On 13 February 2008 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, on behalf of the Australian Parliament, made a historic and long overdue national Apology to the Stolen Generations. With eloquence and emotion, Prime Minister Rudd said what so many Australians have wanted to say, and what so many Indigenous peoples have needed to hear:

‘The use of the word implemented…seems entirely inappropriate as I understand the meaning of the word. The facts are that… a number of those recommendations ...have not been implemented.’

A united Australia which represents this land of ours; values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and provides justice and equity for all. Vision of Reconciliation, Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.[1]

To develop a nationwide picture of existing government initiatives that address family violence, the Social Justice Commissioner sent correspondence to all State, Territory and relevant Australian government departments[1] requesting information on their policies and programs during the period 2006-2007.

In recent years there have been significant developments at the international level that impact upon the recognition and protection of the human rights of Indigenous peoples.