Aboriginal Affairs NSW facts for kids
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| Agency overview | |
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| Formed | 1 January 1982 (Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs) 4 April 2011 (Aboriginal Affairs NSW) |
| Preceding agencies |
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| Headquarters | 201 Coward Street, Mascot, Sydney |
| Minister responsible |
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| Agency executive |
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| Parent agency | Department of Premier and Cabinet |
Aboriginal Affairs NSW (AANSW) is a government agency in New South Wales, Australia. It works as part of the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Its main job is to help the NSW Government create and manage policies. These policies support Indigenous Australians living in New South Wales. AANSW also gives advice to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, who is currently Ben Franklin.
Contents
Understanding Aboriginal Affairs NSW
What Does Aboriginal Affairs NSW Do?
Aboriginal Affairs NSW helps the government work with and for Aboriginal people. They focus on several important areas:
- Helping communities connect: They assist Aboriginal communities in building strong partnerships. This helps everyone recognise the important place of Aboriginal people as the first peoples of NSW.
- Strengthening community leadership: They work to make Aboriginal community leadership strong and effective. This means supporting local groups to make their own decisions.
- Preparing for the future: They help Aboriginal people get ready for new chances. This includes improving their economic and social well-being.
- Celebrating culture: They help Aboriginal people feel proud and confident in their own cultures. This means supporting their knowledge and traditions.
Who is the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs?
The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs is a politician in the NSW Government. This person is in charge of making decisions about policies for Aboriginal people. The current Minister is the Honourable Ben Franklin.
A Brief History of Aboriginal Affairs in NSW
Early Government Bodies (1883-1975)
The first government group in NSW focused on Aboriginal matters was set up in 1883. It was called the Board for the Protection of Aborigines (BPA). Its goal was to supervise and care for Aboriginal people. The Inspector-General of Police was often its chairman.
In 1940, the BPA was replaced by the Aborigines Welfare Board (AWB). This board continued to manage many aspects of Aboriginal communities' lives. This included their living arrangements, education, and general well-being.
Both the BPA and AWB had a lot of control over Aboriginal people's lives. Over time, people realised that Aboriginal communities needed more self-determination.
In 1969, the AWB was replaced by the Aborigines Welfare Directorate. This new group was part of the Department of Child Welfare and Social Welfare. Its functions were later moved to the Commonwealth (federal) government. The remaining state duties went to the Aboriginal Services Branch.
The Ministerial Period (1982-Today)
A big change happened in 1981 when the first Minister for Aboriginal Affairs was appointed. This meant there was a dedicated government minister for Aboriginal issues. In 1982, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs was created. Its job was to advise the government on things like land rights for Aboriginal people. It also helped provide services to communities.
Over the years, this ministry changed names and moved between different government departments:
- In 1988, it became the Bureau of Aboriginal Affairs.
- Soon after, it was renamed the Office of Aboriginal Affairs. This office was in charge of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act.
- In 1995, it became the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.
- In 2011, it was renamed Aboriginal Affairs NSW. It moved to the Department of Education and Communities.
- Finally, in 2019, Aboriginal Affairs NSW moved to the Department of Premier and Cabinet. This is where it is today.
Leaders of Aboriginal Affairs NSW
Many dedicated people have led these government bodies over the years. They have worked to support Aboriginal communities in New South Wales. Some of the key leaders include:
- Superintendent of Aborigines Welfare: A. W. G. Lipscombe (1939–1953)
- Secretary of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs: Pat O'Shane (1981–1986) and Neville Perkins (1987–1988)
- Director General, Department of Aboriginal Affairs: Linda Burney (2000–2003)
- Head of Aboriginal Affairs: Jason Ardler (2012–2019) and Lillian Gordon (2020-present)
- Deputy Secretary, Aboriginal Affairs NSW: Shane Hamilton (2022-present)
See Also
- Minister for Aboriginal Affairs (New South Wales)
