Blue Cards

KAP’s Blue Card bill would provide a framework that empowers Indigenous communities and still protects kids.

The existing Blue Card system, while well-meaning in its intention, is not practical in its application to remote communities.

Numerous examples exist where individuals who have made significant attempts to reform their behaviour are faced with no hope of accessing employment due to the Blue Card system.

The current system is a significant barrier to economic development in Indigenous communities.

Robbie Katter introduced a Bill into parliament in 2017 that calls for the creation of a new class of Blue Card that applies only to Indigenous communities.

The objectives of this Bill are to provide a new Blue Card framework that empowers Indigenous communities to make decisions which best serve their interests in relation to child protection and employment of community members.

The new framework allows Community Justice Groups to issue Blue Cards, rather than the department, who typically have no knowledge of the circumstances or the individuals involved.

Child safety would still be the number one priority under KAP’s Blue Card bill, so people who have committed offences against children would not be eligible.

Title Deeds

We need to make sure inalienable title deeds can be issued to First Australians.

The ability for first Australian communities to improve economic opportunities is significantly inhibited by lack of legal title to land in Indigenous Community Areas.

Currently no bank will lend money for commercial development without the security of a title deed.

According to Government records, there has only been one title deed issued in 25 years.

Under the 1984 legislation, nearly 1000 title deeds were issued in a little over three years.

KAP wants to ensure inalienable title deeds can be issued to first Australians for land in Community Areas.

Alcohol Management Plan

Alcohol management plans need to be reviewed and amended.

KAP wants to review and amend alcohol management plans for Indigenous communities at risk from increased use of drugs and supply of homebrew liquor.

Targeted licencing and carriage allowances in communities at risk will ensure that drugs and homebrew do not put lives at risk whilst promoting a responsible drinking culture in those communities.