First Nations’ roadmap welcomed by resources sector

QUEENSLAND’s peak mining body has welcomed the release of a new National Roadmap for Indigenous Jobs, Skills and Wealth Creation today.

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the new framework released by the Minister for Indigenous Australians provides a long-term commitment to lift national outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“I’m proud to say we’re making great inroads in the resources sector already, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples making up almost five percent of our workforce in Queensland, which is higher than their current four percent level of representation in the state’s population," Mr Macfarlane said.

Mr Macfarlane said the resources sector spent almost $70 million dollars with 84 different Indigenous businesses in Queensland in 2019-20, with plans to boost outcomes even further.

The QRC hosted a Meet-the-Buyer event in Brisbane last week to build up connections between Indigenous business suppliers and buyers across the sector and create new opportunities for First Nations’ people and their businesses

Mr Macfarlane said the QRC’s highly successful Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) is also helping to grow the state’s Indigenous skills pipeline.

“The State Government’s Next Step Destination Data shows that of the Indigenous students who went into an apprenticeship or traineeship from QMEA schools, eight percent went into the mining industry. This is compared to 0.5 percent from non-QMEA schools,” he said. 

“Our industry provides exciting, highly skilled and well-paid careers – not just jobs – for Indigenous Queenslanders, which we showcase each year at the QRC Indigenous Awards.

“These awards celebrate leading practice Indigenous achievements and the many role models in our sector, and promote the resources industry as a career of choice for Indigenous people.

“Nominations for the 2022 QRC Indigenous Awards, which will be held in Brisbane on May 11, 2022, are now open.

“The QRC looks forward to continuing to create more opportunities for First Nations’ peoples to thrive personally and professionally in 2022 and beyond.”

www.qrc.org.au

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