Talking futures at Garma

The Australian Government is wishing all the participants at this year’s Garma Festival well, as they discuss the important issue of how Australia’s resources boom can serve Indigenous Australians into the future.

The festival, held at Gulkula in North East Arnhem Land, brings together Australians from around the nation, including leaders in government and business, as well as professionals and academics from around the world.

The focus of this year’s festival will be on how developments in the resources industry affect Indigenous communities, including how Indigenous Australians participate in the resources industry, the impact of the industry on the environment, and economic outcomes for local communities.

Speakers include Yothu Yindi Foundation Chairman, Galarrwuy Yunupingu, Minerals Council of Australia CEO, Mitch Hooke, Generation One CEO, Warren Mundine and CFMEU National Secretary, Michael O’Connor.

The Australian Government knows how important it is that our natural resources industry helps provide jobs and training opportunities for Indigenous Australians, as well as long term benefits.

The Garma Festival was established by the Yolngu people of North-East Arnhem Land, has a proud history of generating discussion and ideas.

With their signing of the historic Gove Agreement with Rio Tinto Alcan last year, the Yolngu Traditional Owners have also shown how negotiated mining agreements can provide long-term intergenerational benefits to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.

The agreement provides a range of economic and employment benefits for traditional owners and for the region.

The Garma Festival is also provides an important economic boost for the region and is a key event for many Australians.