New agreement to deliver jobs in the Tanami region

A new agreement to create more Indigenous job opportunities in Central Australia’s Tanami region Indigenous communities was signed today in Yuendumu.

The Tanami Regional Partnership Agreement (RPA) is a partnership between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments, Newmont Asia-Pacific, the Central Land Council representing the Tanami Region communities of Yuendumu, Lajamanu and Kalkarindji and the Central Desert and Victoria Daly shires.

This is the Northern Territory’s second Regional Partnership Agreement and reflects the commitment of the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to work with industry to create real job opportunities in remote communities.

Giving more Indigenous people the skills to get and keep a job is critical for closing the gap in Indigenous disadvantage.

The Australian Government is committed to increasing Indigenous economic participation, setting a target to halve the gap in employment outcomes within a decade.

Having a job means financial independence and builds a connection with the community.

The Tanami Regional Partnership Agreement is the culmination of three years of work, with government, the community and industry joining to drive change in the region.

A key objective of this agreement is the delivery of long term job opportunities through training and skills programs and the development of sustainable local business initiatives.

Work is underway; a local work team from Kalkarindji has completed a major fencing project in the Tanami and there are now 85 local Indigenous people from across the region working with Newmont Asia-Pacific at the Granites mine in the Tanami.

The Australian Government has committed $432,000 for this RPA, which will fund a project officer, information technology costs and a vehicle.

The Northern Territory Government has provided $60,000 over two years for operational and ongoing project costs.