Redman talks remote community reform and funding in Broome
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman has told an economic think tank in Broome an “alignment” was coming into play over remote Aboriginal communities, with indigenous leaders agreeing there was a need for change.
Speaking at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia meeting at the Kimberley town today, Mr Redman said the State Government was not going to close 150 Aboriginal communities but instead “focus on the people on what we can do to institute change over time”.
Mr Redman said the State Government had invested $4.9 billion into remote communities with no difference.
“It fundamentally needs to change,” he said.
“We are working on an agenda to try and ensure that people living in those remote communities, there children are safe, they have a pathway to education, a pathway to our economy, a pathway to a job but still keep cultural and heritage links.
“I think it is really important that as a community, industry, and government, Federal and State, we embrace the opportunity for change.”
Mr Redman said opinion was beginning to sway in favour of change.
“I think, one of the questions you might ask is ‘what’s changed now since the last minister who stood up like me and said this?’
“I think there is an alignment now that is coming into play that hasn’t happened before.
“A lot of leadership through the Aboriginal communities is coming through now saying ‘what is out there is unacceptable, it needs to change’.
“They are lining up and saying that is really important and we want to share that in the pathway going forward.”
Mr Redman used the forum to announce a joint State/industry $45,000 campaign to rebrand Broome and $117,000 towards develop the newly opened Heritage Trail Project connecting Chinatown to Beach in partnership with traditional owners the Yawuru.
During his speech, Mr Redman referred to a regional economic blueprint being prepared for release by the Kimberley Development Commission and the importance of generating jobs for indigenous people in an “under-utilised workforce”.
“Importantly the theme links the development of Aboriginal people to regional development and development of the economy – a really, really important thing,” he said.
“It is an under-utilised workforce.
“If we don’t sort and manage and get better outcomes and better pathways for Aboriginal people it would be a foot on the hose for development opportunities that the Kimberley actually presents.”
Broome International Airport chief executive Nick Belyea joined the call for a casino in Broome and drew spontaneous applause when he said the town should also have a marina.
Read the full story in Thursday’sBroome Advertiser .
