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NIDAC welcomes announcement of the NT Emergency Response Review BoardThe National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee (NIDAC) welcomes Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin’s announcement for the establishment of the NT EMERGENCY RESPONSE REVIEW BOARD which has an important role in assessing the effectiveness of the Australian Government’s Emergency Response Initiative in the Northern Territory. Associate Professor Ted Wilkes, NIDAC Chair commented “the Northern Territory Emergency Intervention has invoked much discussion in Australia and could provide valuable insights for other jurisdictions in their quest to deliver better health and quality of life outcomes to Indigenous Australians. It is hoped that the Review will enable us to learn more about how Indigenous health and well being should be addressed, how initiatives can be more effective and how important it is that Indigenous Australians themselves take control of their children’s and community’s future . Obviously the support of all Australian governments is crucial.” Ensuring that policies and interventions aimed at reducing the harm caused by alcohol and other drug misuse are not only effective but also developed in consultation with Indigenous communities and their representatives is an urgent priority for NIDAC. NIDAC congratulates the Australian Government on selecting a number of prominent Indigenous Australians and experts drawn from public policy, health, child welfare, legal and economic development fields as members of the Expert group to support the Review Board. As the leading voice in Indigenous drug and alcohol policy, NIDAC is also pleased that NIDAC member and ANCD advisor, Ms Donna Ah Chee has been selected for her expertise and believe that having this expertise on the Expert Group will provide a valuable contribution to the review of the Northern Territory Emergency Response Intervention. The NIDAC under the auspice of the ANCD is the principal advisory body to ANCD and the Australian Government on Indigenous drug and alcohol issues.
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