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2009 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Gathering

On this page:

• About NATSIWG
• NATSIWG Working Group
• Key Stakeholders
• Selection Criteria for the 2009 NATSIWG

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About NATSIWG

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Gathering (NATSIWG) is a forum for Aboriginal women across Australia that has occurred annually since 2002. Held as part of The Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers Conference on the Status of Women (MINCO). NATSIWG is an opportunity for Aboriginal women to discuss issues of importance for them with Women's Ministers.

The purpose of the NATSIWG is to give Aboriginal women from across the country an opportunity to meet and determine national priorities and report these priorities to MINCO. Aboriginal women are nominated by State and Australian Government to identify, discuss and progress priority issues and strategies for overcoming disadvantage in their communities.

• Consultation Cycle
• MINCO Communique

NATSIWG Working Group

The working group is made up of one representative from each of the seven jurisdictions that attends NATSIWG. The working group is a conduit between WAM and NATSWIG.

NATSIWG is also an opportunity for women to:

• create networks and make connections with other female Aboriginal leaders from around the country;
• consult with local women to bring their ideas and energy to a national forum;
• discuss problems and share solutions;
• participate in agenda setting for Aboriginal women to be heard on a regional, national and international level; and
• open and maintain a dialogue with policy makers to ensure Aboriginal women's policy reforms come from the ground up, and are not dictated from the top down.

Key Stakeholders

COAG: The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) is the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia . The role of COAG is to initiate, develop and monitor the implementation of policy reforms that are of national significance and require cooperative action by Australian governments.

MINCO: The Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers' Conference on the Status of Women (MINCO), includes State and Territories Ministers for Women, the Australian Government Minister for Women's and the New Zealand Minister for Women. All jurisdictions report to MINCO on women's issues. MINCO meets annually to discuss and progress issues of significance for Australian and New Zealand women.

WAM: Women's Advisory Meeting (WAM) are Managers and Senior Officers of Women's Policy. WAM has regular teleconferences and meetings to progress MINCO and other issues of significance for women.

MCATSIA: The Ministerial Council on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (MCATSIA) is required to provide the Prime Minister, as the chair of COAG, with regular progress reports and is responsible for coordinating all plans on behalf of COAG, including the progression of the National Action Plan (NAP). MCATSIA undertook the overarching coordination and performance monitoring roles of the NAP.

Selection Criteria for the 2009 NATSIWG

Download: Selection Criteria

Selection Criteria for Northern Territory Delegates

Office of Women's Policy utilises the following criteria to select delegates via a competitive selection process.

1. Possess leadership qualities and a willingness to share the outcomes of NATSIWG with your communities. Delegates must be able to demonstrate a strong Aboriginal support base at a local, state or national level.
2. Express an interest in advising government about the emerging issues impacting on Aboriginal women, their families and communities.
3. An ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team. Possess interpersonal skills that facilitate working with others towards responses to issues affecting Aboriginal women within a national framework.
4. Possess good communication skills that facilitate participation in discussion with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from around Australia .

Role and Responsibilities of Office of Women's Policy and NT Delegates

It is expected that the delegates shall:

1. Represent local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's interests at the NATSIWG;
2. Provide a written report of their attendance at NATSIWG and outline any key issues for the NT;
3. Fulfil their responsibility as a delegate by completing/undertaking any projects that arise out of NATSIWG; and
4. Participate in the planning and facilitation of two Aboriginal Women's forums in the Northern Territory during March and April 2009. Attend NATSIWG in May 2009 and finalise any actions arising from the gathering.

How do I apply?

Your expression of interest must include a statement outlining how you will approach your role as a delegate to successfully fulfil the responsibilities of the role. Your application should also be made with specific reference to your interest in, or involvement with, the following five key areas as outlined in the Northern Territory Government's women's policy Building on Our Strengths: A Framework for Action for Women in the Northern Territory 2008 – 2012:

• Health and Wellbeing;
• Safety;
• Economic security;
• Leadership and participation;
• Life Balance in Aboriginal communities.

Please send your application to:

Office of Women's Policy
Department of Health and Families
PO Box 40596
CASUARINA NT 0811

Applications close on Friday 23 January 2009.

For further information please contact the Office of Women's Policy, Department of Health and Families on 8999 2703 or 8999 2604.