Seeking views on Indigenous economic strategy

A series of workshops will be held across the country to seek further public input into the Australian Government’s strategy to boost economic independence for Indigenous people.

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and the Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Mark Arbib, today announced 20 workshops would be held across the country to get people’s views on the draft Indigenous Economic Development Strategy.

The Ministers also announced the extension of the deadline for submissions to 17 December 2010 to allow more Australians to have their say on the strategy.

The strategy aims to increase the wellbeing of Indigenous Australians by supporting greater economic participation and self-reliance.

It will help provide a pathway for Indigenous Australians to have the same opportunities as all Australians – to get an education, find a job or start their own business, own their own home and provide for their families.

The draft strategy, released by the Australian Government for public comment on 24 May 2010, provides a framework to guide the development of actions, programs and policies for Indigenous economic development.

People can comment on the draft strategy by lodging a written submission, attending a public workshop or speaking to their local Indigenous Coordination Centre or Government Business Manager.

The first workshop will held in Canberra on 12 November 2010.  Feedback received will help to shape the final strategy.

Half-day consultation workshops will be held in the following locations:

For further details about the consultation process, including times and dates for workshops as they become available visit www.indigenous.gov.au. Individuals and organisations can register their interest by emailing ieds@fahcsia.gov.au