NSWMC partners with NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce to deliver successful forum on Indigenous Economic Development

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Over 140 delegates were in attendance at Wednesday’s forum on indigenous procurement and economic development. Held in Newcastle, the forum attracted attendees from across industry, Indigenous business and Government.

 

Amongst the keynote speakers were, the Hon. Leslie Williams MP, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, representatives from the NSW and Commonwealth public service, resource industry leaders and Indigenous elders. 

 

Minister Williams thanked the NSW minerals industry for its leadership in promoting and supporting Indigenous economic development and emphasised the importance of educating and empowering young Indigenous people to ensure they can participate in the workforce. 

 

The Forum forms part of the NSW minerals sector’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal economic development as part of its Industry Based Agreement with the NSW Government under the OCHRE program.

 

Professor Marcia Langton, a noted indigenous academic, businesswoman and Elder, spoke on the role the mining industry in ‘closing the gap’ emphasising the role that procurement practices can play to deliver positive economic outcomes for Aboriginal people.

 

NSW Minerals Council Policy Director Greg Sullivan, Chair of the Industry Based Agreement Steering Committee, identified the role of the agreement in building relationships and networks as one of most important benefits of the program. 

 

 

Contact: Nat Openshaw