TRACA Urges Election Candidates to Prioritise Aboriginal-Led Solutions

In the lead-up to the July 19 state election, The Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance (TRACA) is seeking clear commitments from all candidates and parties on three critical priorities:

• equitable and accountable funding for Aboriginal regional communities
• increased investment in Closing the Gap initiatives
• and a place-based partnerships model that recognises cultural diversity.

TRACA is urging all election candidates to commit to sustained and meaningful investment in Aboriginal-led solutions that improve outcomes for Tasmanian Aboriginal people and communities.

Read their full statement below.

Media release – The Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance, 25 June 2025

TRACA Calls for Strong Commitments to Aboriginal-led Initiatives This Election

The Tasmanian Regional Aboriginal Communities Alliance (TRACA) is urging all election candidates to commit to sustained and meaningful investment in Aboriginal-led solutions that improve outcomes for Tasmanian Aboriginal people and communities.

TRACA is a collaborative, community-driven alliance representing seven Aboriginal community-controlled organisations from across the state, reflecting the diverse voices of Tasmania’s Aboriginal peoples. Built on principles of cultural strength, equity and self- determination, TRACA advocates for initiatives that are led by community, governed with integrity and accountability, and resourced to deliver measurable impact.

In the lead-up to the July 19 state election, TRACA is seeking clear commitments from all candidates and parties on three critical priorities:

• Equitable and Accountable Funding for Aboriginal Regional Communities

TRACA calls on the incoming government to honour the recent budget commitment of at least $4.4 million to support Aboriginal peak bodies and other regional community groups responsible for implementing Closing the Gap initiatives.

In addition, TRACA seeks a review of how these funds are allocated, with a view to increasing the total investment. Allocation should be guided by principles of equity, demonstrated community reach, measurable outcomes, and accountability.

TRACA also calls for affirmed commitment to appropriate funding for the Truth Telling and Healing process, including administrative and operational support to enable the proposed Commissioners to fully undertake their responsibilities.

TRACA sees Truth Telling and Healing as a crucial priority and a key step on the path towards agreement making.

“Funding Aboriginal regional communities isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing to do,” said TRACA Chair Nick Cameron.

“When communities are trusted and resourced to lead, the results are powerful and lasting.”

• Increased Investment in Closing the Gap Initiatives

TRACA believes the most recent state budget falls significantly short of the investment needed to make genuine progress on commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. It is well understood that Tasmanian Aboriginal culture is not homogenous. There are multiple languages and dialects, diverse cultural practices and deep geographical and familial differences across the state.

TRACA calls on all election candidates to commit to formally recognising, protecting and promoting this diversity in all policies, programs and engagements with Aboriginal communities.

TRACA further calls on all election candidates to commit to increased funding for programs with proven effectiveness — including the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS) Bail Support Program, which is delivering an $8 return on investment for every $1 spent, through reduced incarceration and improved outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.

TRACA also highlights the need for increased and sustained support for Aboriginal women and families impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence through SiS Tasmania, the only service of its type in Tasmania dedicated to Aboriginal people and is a critical initiative as part of Tasmania’s Closing the Gap efforts.

“Programs like the TALS Bail Support Program are proof that Aboriginal-led solutions work,” Cameron said.

“But they need long-term, realistic investment from the State Government — not short-term top-ups. We need funding that matches the scale of the challenge, and the strength of the opportunity.”

• A Place-Based Partnerships Model That Recognises Cultural Diversity

TRACA is calling for place-based partnerships and community representation to become the central features of all funding and consultation processes involving Aboriginal communities in Tasmania.

TRACA urges all major parties and independent candidates seeking election to commit to recognising and equally funding all peak Aboriginal bodies that represent the breadth and depth of communities across the state.

Support should be prioritised for peak bodies and programs that demonstrate good governance, accountability, and broad community reach throughout the state.

“Aboriginal Tasmania is not one place or one voice — it’s many,” said Cameron.

“Decision-making must reflect that. Place-based partnerships ensure communities are truly heard, and that can’t happen unless there are opportunities at the highest level for multiple perspectives to be reflected.”

TRACA invites all candidates to engage with Aboriginal communities directly and to demonstrate leadership by committing to these priorities in the lead up to the July 19 election.

“We encourage the 25,000-strong Tasmanian Aboriginal community to exercise their democratic right and vote for candidates who demonstrate genuine commitment to these three priorities — equitable funding, real investment in Closing the Gap programs, and recognising and equally supporting all Tasmanian Aboriginal regional groups that represent our diverse communities,” said Cameron.

“Our future depends on leaders who listen to us and invest in Aboriginal-led solutions.”