ART & NEWS 09
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2023
ASIC support for financial outcomes The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has published an Indigenous Financial Services Framework as part of ASIC’s role in supporting positive financial outcomes for First Nations people. Indigenous Outreach Program Senior Manager Danille Abbot (pictured) said the Framework was developed after “extensive and thorough consultations with First Nations peoples, financial services industry representatives, as well as fellow government departments, agencies, and regulators”. “These consultations were held with a range of sectors with national coverage, across broad geographic regions,” she said. “At each stage the voices of First Nations people were prioritised and elevated.” She said through the consultations, ASIC identified four key learnings: 1. First Nations peoples had unique, established economies before colonisation that continued today and should be understood, respected, and maintained; 2. First Nations peoples have been prohibited and excluded from participating in the Australian financial system; 3. Financial wellbeing affects all aspects of First Nations peoples’ lives; and 4. First Nations peoples have many different versions of financial success that need to be accepted and empowered. “This Framework highlights how ASIC will use these learnings to inform its work with First Nations consumers,” she said. “It supports this intent by setting out several long-term outcomes which will require ongoing collaboration and engagement between ASIC and its stakeholders.” She said those outcomes included, but were not limited to: • reducing the impact of harms and misconduct on individuals and communities; • providing accessible and appropriate financial products and services; • increasing holistic service provision and delivery; and
Background
• establishing positive and culturally appropriate experiences when engaging with the financial services industry and other service providers. She said ASIC recognised the importance of ongoing, regular engagement with First Nations people. “ASIC is establishing timely and structured engagement streams to maintain and build on our learnings,” Danille said. “These will be used to influence ASIC’s stakeholders on key themes, emerging issues and challenges highlighted by First Nations consumers. “The engagement streams include an Indigenous Advisory Group, a Cross-Government Engagement Group, and ongoing contact with the financial services industry.” Further to the Framework, ASIC’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-2026 (RAP) included the pursuit and promotion of regulatory outcomes where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers or investors were adversely impacted by harm and misconduct. “Through both the Framework and the RAP, ASIC is outlining its priorities for supporting positive financial outcomes for First Nations consumers, and communicating expectations to industry participants on best practice engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers and investors,” Danille said.
Key Documents ASIC’s Indigenous Financial Services Framework: https://asic.
gov.au/about-asic/what-we-do/ how-we-operate/stakeholder-liaison/ asic-s-indigenous-outreach-program/ asic-s-indigenous-financial-servicesframework/
collaborating with First Nations people. The Indigenous Outreach Several phases of consultation Program (IOP) was established in were held between 2019-2022, 2009 as a national team. allowing ASIC to build its The IOP builds relationships understanding of the needs, in urban, regional, and remote experiences, and perspectives of locations nationally. First Nations consumers engaging It is a specialist team working with the financial system. across ASIC to provide advice, To find out more about ASIC’s insights, and support to ensure IOP, visit the ASIC IOP webpage ASIC’s engagement with First at https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/ Nations peoples is culturally what-we-do/how-we-operate/ appropriate and sensitive. stakeholder-liaison/asic-sThe team also works with indigenous-outreach-program/ industry, service providers, and To read more about ASIC’s other government agencies to influence system change and drive commitment to Reconciliation positive financial outcomes for in our RAP, download a copy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of ASIC’s Reconciliation Action peoples. Plan (RAP) at https://download. asic.gov.au/media/xklhag3u/ ASIC’s development of the asic-stretch-reconciliation-actionFramework took on a proactive plan-2023-2026.pdf approach in consulting and
CIAF 2022: Artist Ron Savage demonstrates his weaving techniques in a workshop. Pic by FrontRow Foto. Courtesy the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.
CIAF will be back in 2023 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair will be back in 2023 for its 14th season with a new and engaging program celebrating the distinct and diverse arts and culture of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. From opening night on Thursday 13 July to the closing ceremony on Sunday 16 July 2023, CIAF will welcome, inspire, educate, and entertain art collectors, curators, and visitors from near and far to its world-class hub at Cairns Convention Centre and satellite venues across Cairns. CIAF’s 2023 theme Weaving
Our Future: Claiming Our Sovereignty has been styled by the organisation’s Artistic Director, Francoise Lane. “We are living in a time where a collective voice is being positioned to drive change across our state and nation,” Francoise said. “Within this context, CIAF’s 2023 theme was developed to both inspire and harness the sentiments of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. “CIAF has and always will be a platform for meaningful cultural and artistic exchange.
Arts support for Torres Strait & NPA Regions Need help finding out about funding your arts projects? Want to be part of the Torres Strait Performing Arts Collective? Want to use TSIMA Studio and create music? Got an idea for an arts project? As part of Arts QLD Regional Arts Services Network (RASN), Torres Strait Islanders Association partnership with Regional Arts Services Network Tropical North has a regional arts officer based on Thursday Island to support your creative and artistic needs. For more information, contact Diat Alferink, CEO TSIMA 0497 618 738
07 4069 1524
ceo@tsima4mw.org.au
Regional Development Australia Tropical North in collaboration with Cook Shire council is the RASN Provider for Far North QLD Region.
“In its 13 years, CIAF has evolved into so much more than an event or a place where you can acquire ethically sourced and marketed artwork. “In 2023, CIAF is a ‘movement’, a meeting place and, in essence, a holistic expression of two very distinct and diverse cultures – past, present, and future.” To participate or experience CIAF 2023, visit the website at https://ciaf.com.au/cairnsindigenous-art-fair-ciaf or stay in touch and up to date on CIAF Socials (Facebook and Instagram).
