On Wednesday Premier and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Will Hodgman met with representatives from the alliance, representing seven Tasmanian Aboriginal community organisations.

Mr Hodgman said the statement commits the signatories to working collaboratively for enriched cultural, social, economic and political participation.

“We agreed some time ago that we would come together in a way that would challenge the way people think, the way Aboriginal affairs are handled by government, but also how government would better represent communities across the state and their organisations,” Mr Hodgman said.

“I think we are taking another very important step to how government is interacting with Aboriginal Tasmanians and their communities. 

“It’s more than a statement of intent.

“It is a statement of direction and a partnership and it will serve my government and every future government very well because it commits us to do things and provides additional support of government.”

TRACA co-chair Patsy Cameron said the agreement offered validation after years of consultation. 

“Two years ago we were in little, isolated pockets around the state and our voices were just not heard at all,” she said.

“It was like being in a gale of wind. 

“When you talked about resetting the relationships with Tasmanian Aboriginal people it gave us the impetus to get organised and look at what we have achieved in two years.

“I think it is quite remarkable that every one of us has committed to this cause.

“I see this as us now moving forward together. 

“We want to work in partnership to make life for Tasmanian Aboriginal people better.”

Mr Hodgman had previously called to “reset the relationship” with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and acknowledged the role of TRACA in achieving this. 

“Each of these organisations play a really important role in their communities, helping Aboriginal Tasmanians young and old,” he said.

“Better integrating them in our government agencies through a very high-level agreement will only help.” 

The state government will provide funding to support TRACA in meeting the costs associated with governance, engagement, representation and advisory functions.