Indigenous Reference Group convenes on National Roadmap

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Indigenous Reference Group (IRG), as part of a national group to support the Morrison Government implement the National Roadmap for Indigenous Skills, Jobs and Wealth Creation, convened for the first time yesterday.

The IRG will work with Government, broader industry champions and key stakeholders to provide advice on the development of an Action Plan to implement the National Roadmap.

Co-chaired by Darren Godwell and Mikaela Jade, the IRG is bringing together Indigenous business leaders and entrepreneurs to work with Government on the economic advancement of Indigenous Australians.

The Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said the IRG represented the beginning of a productive partnership between the Government, industry and Indigenous business leaders.

“A priority of mine is to develop practical actions to implement the National Roadmap and in bringing together the Indigenous Reference Group for the first time, we will ensure that we are embedding working in partnership right from the beginning of the process,” Minister Wyatt said.

“This is the next step in our long-term commitment to substantially lifting economic outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

“I look forward to receiving the Indigenous Reference Group’s advice and input.”

The Group had a wide ranging discussion on how best to create pathways to skilling and employment, and create a better future for Indigenous children and grandchildren.

“I believe Indigenous success in commerce and trade is central to the economic future for Indigenous Australians. Removing unnecessary roadblocks will open up opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses,” Mr Godwell said.

The Group also discussed how the fast-growing Indigenous business sector contributes to the Australian economy and the opportunities available in future industries.

“Indigenous Australians have clear advantages across a number of growth industries, including new frontier industries in defence, space, aeronautics, digital technologies and Indigenous botanicals. The future is very exciting if we can harness what Indigenous businesses need,” Ms Jade said.

The Indigenous Reference Group’s co-chairs Mr Godwell and Ms Jade are joined by:

• Brad Welsh
• Casey Millward
• Dan Tyson
• Eddie Fry
• Florence Drummond
• Jack Manning Bancroft
• Karen Milward
• Leah Armstrong
• Parry Agius
• Rachelle Towart OAM
• Shane Fields
• Shelley Cable
• Steve Fordham

The National Roadmap can be downloaded at https://www.niaa.gov.au/indigenous-affairs/economic-development/national-roadmap-indigenous-skills-jobs-wealth-creation