Ensure strong and genuine First Nations partnership
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have continuing rights and responsibilities as the First Peoples of Queensland, including traditional ownership and safeguarding the sustainable management of land and waters for future generations.
What we want to achieve by 2050
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be true partners in any resource project taking place on Country.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be realising economic benefits as equity partners, owners and operators of resources development occurring on Country.
- The resources industry will be continuing to recognise, protect and conserve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultural heritage through strong partnerships and meaningful engagement.
What we will do to achieve these goals
The resources industry must consider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities as critical partners in future development. This will involve growing, investing in and maintaining strong and genuine partnerships.
Have your say on the proposed actions in the draft Queensland resources industry development plan.
Lead: Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
When: Ongoing
Local Thriving Communities (LTC) is a significant and long-term government reform that changes the way we work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to give communities a greater voice in shaping their future.
The reform is based on the principles of self-determination, mutual respect and high-expectations relationships.
We will continue this reform over coming years.
Lead: Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
When: Ongoing
AIn 2019, the Queensland Government commenced a review of the two Cultural Heritage Acts to establish how to improve and strengthen them. Stakeholder consultation began, but the review was placed on hold due to COVID-19.
We are committed to finalising the review of these Acts to ensure they continue to protect and conserve Queensland’s First Nations peoples cultural heritage, while facilitating business and development activity.
Lead: Industry
When: Ongoing
The Queensland Government is committed to reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders and non-Indigenous Queenslanders.
To help move towards this, the government has developed the Queensland Government Reconciliation Act Plan 2018–2022.
The government expects that resources companies will commit to a similar vision. Many companies have already developed reconciliation action plans, and other industry operators are encouraged to do the same.
These plans are developed in consultation with Reconciliation Australia.
Lead: Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
When: Ongoing
Resource development could provide vast economic development opportunities for First Nations peoples and communities, and the resources industry has an important role to play in Closing the Gap.
Under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the Queensland Government has committed to:
- changing how it works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- meeting a range of economic targets.
To meet the national agreement commitments and targets, the Queensland Government has developed, and is implementing, Queensland’s 2021 Closing the Gap Implementation Plan.
Last reviewed 25 May 2022
