Qld: PM hears calls for action on indigenous issues at COAG

AAP General News (Australia)
12-14-2007
Qld: PM hears calls for action on indigenous issues at COAG

BRISBANE, Dec 14 AAP - Indigenous affairs could be included in discussions between
federal and state leaders next week, in light of a national outcry over the gang rape
of a 10-year-old girl in far north Queensland.

Nine male offenders escaped jail time for the 2006 offence at Aurukun, prompting Premier
Anna Bligh to order a review of sexual assault cases in Cape York over the past two years.

Yesterday, Ms Bligh called for the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting
in Melbourne next week to include talks on the services available in indigenous communities.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said there was room for the issue on the agenda, "depending
on the views of other governments".

"The question is what productive strategies can be embraced by the future, but I have
an open mind on that, so long as we have a productive and constructive way forward," he
said.

Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin has discussed the Aurukun case with
Ms Bligh this week, and has indicated she will travel to Queensland for further talks.

There are calls for the federal government's indigenous intervention in the Northern
Territory to be expanded into Queensland, a move Ms Macklin hasn't ruled out.

However, Mr Rudd would not commit to the proposal yesterday, preferring to wait for
a 12-month review of the intervention.

AAP gd/it/de

KEYWORD: GANG DAYLEAD

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