On 27 May 2009, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Australian Government and the Minerals Council of Australia.
This MoU builds on a partnership which commenced in 2005 to tackle Indigenous poverty in Australia’s mining regions. It reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to ‘Closing the Gap’ on Indigenous disadvantage. The agreement will facilitate greater flexibility for local partners to work together to build employment and business development opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
The memorandum will also widen economic benefits for Indigenous Australians by including opportunities associated with the minerals industry, contractors and government supply chains.
In addition to the wide range of current employment and training opportunities, the MoU also incorporates business development initiatives led by minerals companies. The MoU will be facilitated and supported by the Australian Government through Job Services Australia providers, the reformed Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) and the Indigenous Employment Program (IEP).
Implementation of the MoU will be overseen by a joint industry and government national steering committee.
A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding is below;