The third Closing the Gap Annual Data Compilation Report released today is a reminder of the heavy work that needs to be undertaken to lift the social-economic status of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
The latest report has found progress towards the 15 targets that can be assessed has been limited, with only four on track to be met.
Of the four targets that are on track, three have had annual improvements close to double what is needed. Moreover, seven of the targets that are not on track are nevertheless improving.
Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) Chief Executive Officer Tania Constable said the gap is not closing quickly enough. But while the data continues to provide a challenging story, it is also telling a story of First Australians seeking a better future for themselves and the generations that follow them.
“The Australian minerals industry is strongly committed to creating opportunities for intergenerational wealth outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Through agreements with Traditional Owners, Australian mining is working hand in hand with Traditional Owners to account for and protect tangible and intangible cultural heritage to be available for future generations.
“Australian mining employs Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all areas of operations and is looking forward to the next generation of leaders in our industry.
There are approximately 6000 direct employees within operations and countless more through the supply chain, specifically in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses engaged by individual asset operators.
“The MCA is taking an active role in working with the higher education sector to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people entering STEM programs.
She said the industry is setting up the youth of today to be leaders in the next wave of internationally competitive mining investment in critical minerals.
“The MCA and the minerals industry will continue to listen to and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to create long term outcomes that are community led and community driven for this generation and the next.”