Governance

Governance refers to how decisions are made in communities. It is essential for communities to take charge of their futures, get things done, build personal and communal responsibility, and work with different levels of government — from the Australian Government to the Northern Territory shires.

What needs improving?

Many remote communities in the Northern Territory do not have good governance.

What is being done?

The Australian Government is working to improve governance in two ways:

• by building the capacity of communities and organisations — for example, though the Indigenous Leadership Program which has helped 250 Territory people since it began six years ago
• by making sure governments work together and meet the particular needs of each community — for example, through a stronger government presence in communities.

The Government is changing the way it does business in 15 larger communities, in particular, through the Remote Service Delivery National Partnership Agreement. Governments and communities are jointly developing Local Implementation Plans which set priorities for action and give local Indigenous leaders a say.

In 2008 the Northern Territory Government set up a system of shire councils, with the aim of delivering essential services in the same way as they are delivered elsewhere in the Territory. The shires took over from the former local Aboriginal community councils.

Directions for the future?

The Australian Government supports the shire reforms in the Northern Territory, but believes more needs to be done to foster local and community governance.

People need to have a say in what is happening in their communities.

Building community capacity and leadership is critical to a better future.

It is also important to improve the way government staff interact with communities on the policies, programs and services that affect the lives of local people.

We also want to talk to people about how we can better provide services to smaller communities and outstations.

It is vital that communities themselves contribute ideas on the best way to achieve better community governance and better interaction with government.