Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Indigenous Economic Development Strategy – have your say

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Education Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Senator the Hon Mark Arbib, Minister for Employment Participation

The Australian Government today released a draft of its long-term strategy to increase participation of Indigenous Australians in the economy.

Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and Minister for Employment Participation, Mark Arbib, said the Indigenous Economic Development Strategy is a national framework which builds on the Government’s significant investments in closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.

Ms Gillard said the strategy will be used to guide and inform future policy decisions in Indigenous economic development.

The draft strategy focuses on five key areas for improving the prosperity of Indigenous Australians:

  • Education and building the capacity of individuals to participate in the economy;
  • Creating and filling job opportunities;
  • Business and entrepreneurship;
  • Financial security and independence; and
  • Creating the incentives and environment for full Indigenous economic participation.

‘The strategy provides 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,’ Ms Macklin said.

‘This framework signals a new partnership between Indigenous Australians, the private sector and government.’

Senator Arbib said work under the strategy would include greater support for Indigenous business networks and support for an Indigenous Business Advisory Group.

‘The Advisory Group will provide expert advice to Government on priorities for the sector,’ Senator Arbib said.

‘A strong focus on ongoing engagement with Indigenous Australians and business is an integral part of the strategy.’

We encourage all Australians with an interest in Indigenous economic development to provide comment on the draft and help increase the number of Indigenous Australians participating in the economy.

The Indigenous Economic Development Strategy and the process for making a submission are available for download at – IEDS website

The closing date for submissions is 1 November 2010. The final strategy is expected by the end of the year.

During the consultation period, the Government will continue to progress key initiatives that support Indigenous economic development.