Description

In 2004 the Australian Government outlined the new federal arrangements for Indigenous affairs based on five key principles: collaboration between Australian Government agencies; leadership from ministers, senior agency staff and Indigenous representative bodies; flexibility in the allocation of funds to meet emerging needs and priorities; a focus on need at the regional level taking into account the diverse circumstances in different regions; and enhanced accountability to ensure that Indigenous people receive value for money from programs directed to them. This article examines shared responsibility agreements how this approach raises complex questions about government and community accountability, the role of ‘mutual obligation’ in a rights-based system and the efficacy of removing systemic disadvantage through negotiating agreements about behavioural change.