Cape Barren and Flinders Island

The Liberal Government has been working to secure funding for the housing, infrastructure and municipal services on Cape Barren Island and Flinders Island.

The Federal Government in the 2014-15 Budget streamlined more than 150 Indigenous Affairs funding programs into five programs.

Since this announcement I have been working with the Federal Government to secure funding and ensure a smooth transition of the funding responsibility to our Government.

The Tasmanian Government has been able to secure a one-off payment, which will be used for housing, infrastructure and municipal related services on the islands.

The exact funding amount will be announced once the Federal Government finalises negotiations with other states.

Our Government will now develop in consultation with the indigenous communities an implementation plan for the management and delivery of services on the island.

We will work closely with the Cape Barren Island Aboriginal Association and the Flinders Island Aboriginal Association to sustainably manage these services in the future.

Our Government is also committed to continuing on a path of reconciliation and completing the Australian constitution by recognising the First Australians.

I remain focussed on ensuring the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as the First Australians.

I call on all parties to unite and send a strong message of support for this change.
Will Hodgman, Premier Minister for Aboriginal Affairs