The Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia’s new report highlights the significant opportunities for Indigenous Australians as partners and proponents in minerals development to support the further development of the region.
The engagement of Traditional Owners in the economic development of Northern Australia report’s key themes align with the collaborative pathway set out with the National Roadmap on Indigenous Jobs, Skills and Wealth Creation.
This includes the important role of strong Traditional Owner representative organisations in facilitating community economic aspirations and the need for governments to provide stable, targeted and locally-appropriate assistance as native title holders establish foundations.
Having long advocated for increased and stable funding, the MCA welcomed the Commonwealth’s additional $36.7 million in the 2021-22 federal budget for Prescribed Body Corporations over four years and recent commitment by Australian native title ministers to consider options to improve long-term funding arrangements.
Mining employs a higher proportion of Indigenous Australians than many other sectors, especially in remote communities.
The industry is also a major customer of the vibrant Indigenous business sector and has contributed significantly to Indigenous Australian long-term wealth creation through agreement-making.
Building on these strengths, the minerals industry is committed to increasing Indigenous Australian participation across the industry – including enhancing employment and business opportunities, and representation in leadership and industry professional roles.
The minerals industry will further consider the report findings.
