Business investing in communities

Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin today recognised the important role business can play to help strengthen Australian communities.

Minister Macklin launched Shell’s Social Investment Portfolio 2011-2014 in Canberra, where she met representatives from some of the many community organisations supported through the Portfolio.

Shell’s social investment portfolio is a great example of a private sector organisation working with community and non-government organisations to help support and improve the lives of disadvantaged Australians.

Shell’s social investment portfolio has a strong focus on educational opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

The Government knows that a good education is essential to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage, and helping to ensure Indigenous children access the benefits that a job can bring.

The Australian Government’s Indigenous Economic Development Strategy, launched last month, provides a framework to support greater participation of Indigenous Australians in the economy.

The strategy recognises the important role of partnerships to support Indigenous economic development. All levels of government, as well as industry, and the not-for-profit sector have a role to play in helping overcome chronic disadvantage.

Private-sector engagement, such as the work being undertaken by Shell, is fundamental to improving economic development opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

The Government congratulates Shell for making significant investment into helping our communities grow stronger.