Introducing the National Languages Policy Partnership (LPP)
The National Languages Policy Partnership brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts and representatives from all commonwealth, state and territory governments to develop recommendations for achieving language outcomes with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The National Languages Policy Partnership is one of 5 policy partnerships established under Priority Reform One of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives are Heather Sculthorpe (Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre), Vicki Couzens (Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL)), Karen Paterson (First Nations Media Australia), Karina Lester (Mobile Language Team), Gulwanyang Moran (Birrbay and Dhanggati), Samantha Armstrong (Itjantjatjarra, Yankunytjatjara, Luritja and Martutjarra), Leitha Assan (Badhu ipikaz), Patsy Ngalu Bedford (Bunuba), Daryn McKenny (Gamilaraay and Wiradjuri).
The government representatives are Erin Gauntlett (WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries), Camille Lew-Fatt (NT Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet), Kathy Parton (Qld Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships), Stephen Fraser (Vic Department of Education), Clare McHugh (NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust), Jodee Wilson (Tas. Department for Education, Children and Young People), Jacinta Evans (ACT Community Services Directorate), Deonne Smith (SA Department of Education).
The National Languages Policy Partnership is being cochaired by Beau Williams (First Languages Australia) and Stephen Arnott (Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts).
The National Languages Policy Partnership will meet four times each year to guide and report on systematic changes implemented to achieve Closing the Gap Target 16. This is an exciting time as the partnership gathers and provides a wealth of wisdom, knowledge and experience to guide the achievement of outcome 16 of Close the Gap – to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are strong, supported and flourishing.
Further details and progress updates are available here.
Attendees of the first National Languages Policy Partnership meeting, where the group met on palawa country in nipaluna, hosted by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre at piyura kitina.
