UPDATE: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to announce a groundbreaking economic partnership with Indigenous organisations at the Garma Festival in Arnhem Land on July 29, 2023. This initiative aims to tackle the pressing issues highlighted in the recently released Closing the Gap data, which Indigenous groups have condemned as “unacceptable.”
In his highly anticipated keynote speech at the festival, Albanese will detail a new approach to economic collaboration with the Coalition of the Peaks. He plans to emphasize the importance of shared decision-making, allowing Traditional Owners to spearhead projects related to infrastructure, housing, and energy on their lands. “This builds on our commitment to the Closing the Gap Agreement and the principle of shared decision-making,” Albanese will state.
The Closing the Gap report reveals a disheartening picture: only four of the 19 targets are on track to be met, while another four are regressing, including alarming rates of adult incarceration, children in out-of-home care, suicide rates, and child development. Albanese will declare, “Reports and reviews have their place, but they are not a substitute for results,” stressing the need for transformative action.
As the festival serves as a vital platform for political discourse, it also champions the culture and empowerment of the local Yolngu people. Albanese’s announcement is expected to drive significant engagement, enabling Indigenous groups to partner with businesses and attract investment, thereby fostering economic resilience and growth.
Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will not join the festival, opting instead for a visit to the Kimberley region of Western Australia, where she will engage with Indigenous and community organisations in Wyndham and Kununurra. Ley has urged Albanese to use this opportunity to clarify his plans for First Nations people, asserting that he has a “personal obligation” to address the widening gap affecting Indigenous Australians.
The Garma Festival, now ongoing for four days, remains a focal point for discussions about the future of Indigenous communities. As Albanese prepares to take the stage, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The nation is watching closely, and the outcomes of these discussions could have profound implications for Indigenous Australians.
Stay tuned for live updates as the festival unfolds and Albanese delivers his pivotal address. This is a moment for action, and the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous Australians is at stake.
