Home Affairs restructures to put a focus on multicultural affairs
"Multiculturalism is not just about or for a section of our society, each and every one of us belongs to an Australia that has been enriched by our 65,000 years of First Nations culture and the successive stories, traditions and histories of those who have come across the seas," Dr Aly said.
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ABC News
2 hours ago
- ABC News
First Nations firefighters changing culture on the Queensland fire line
When Arlene Clubb and her relatives joined their local volunteer fire brigade in rural Queensland a decade ago, they were not entirely welcomed with open arms. "People didn't want us there because we were Indigenous people," the Kuku-Thaypan, Kuku Yalanji and Kuku-Possum woman said. "[Some members] in a photo, they turned their backs on us, they didn't want to be in the same photo as us and it just sort of made us feel no good. "But we didn't let that faze us. If you let people like that affect you, you're not going to go anywhere." The reception some gave the Clubb family at the Tinaroo Rural Fire Brigade in the state's far north belied the efforts of first officer and founding member Les Green, who went out of his way to encourage the Wadjanbarra Yidinji traditional owners to join in the first place. It started with a conversation about the need to manage a piece of the Atherton Tablelands of great importance to traditional owners. Arlene's sister-in-law Kylee Clubb, who also signed up, is now the Tinaroo brigade's second officer, working to drive cultural change in fire management more broadly. "[We] thought about what we wanted to do as a family and what we wanted to do as First Nations people, especially on the lands we've been on up there on the Tablelands," she said. Kylee said the growing number of First Nations firefighters was leading to a greater appreciation within agencies of the importance of cultural burning. The practice involves using small fires to benefit the ecology and encourage plant growth, rather than a simple focus on reducing fuel loads. But the best time for a cultural burn on the Atherton Tablelands — an ancient landscape shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago — might clash with statewide fire bans or burning schedules decided elsewhere in the state. Kylee said the "conversation is being started" about moving away from strict burn schedules, to better include Indigenous knowledge of landscapes. "At the moment, we've seen heaps of lantana, heaps of different weeds, sicklepods just overtake the forest," she said. "[It's about] paying attention to what's flowering and what's seasonal. "The seeds we have out here need activation from fire." Fire management agencies have shown an interest in investing in the leadership skills and expertise of their First Nations personnel too. When the Queensland Fire Department was looking for female firefighters to attend an Indigenous-focused intensive training exchange program in the United States three years ago, Kylee was one of those asked to go. She and fellow Far North Queenslanders Chloe Sweeney and Alex Lacy found the experience so rewarding, they decided to organise their own version of Women-in-Fire Training Exchange, or WTREX, on home soil. It ran over 12 days near Cairns last month, bringing together 40 fire practitioners from across Australia and overseas, most of whom were Indigenous women. One of those was Arlene, who said the growing presence of Indigenous women among the ranks of volunteer firefighters was about showing "we're not just mothers, not just caregivers, not just stay-at-home wives anymore". "[Dispossession] did stop a lot of our cultural burning but it never got lost — the mentality has always been there and all the knowledge we had from our elders is still there," she said. Lenya Quinn-Davidson, an expert on human connection to fire at the University of California, was one of the founders of WTREX in 2016. She took part in the recent Queensland program, and said it was important to offer Indigenous women a safe place to develop their skills and share knowledge so they could thrive in a traditionally "male-dominated, very militaristic" field. "The fire issues we have globally are so wicked, they're wicked problems, and we need diverse perspectives to solve them," she said. Megan Currell, an Australian-born member of the British Columbia Wildfire Service said a decade ago, "it felt like Canada was way ahead of Australia" when it came to relationships with Indigenous peoples. "When I come back and visit home, honestly, I see a massive improvement in the relationship and that cultural aspect, starting to get into cultural burns and being a support system for that and forming real partnerships," she said. "I'd say now they're starting to become neck-and-neck a bit or maybe even Australia is starting to take over."
West Australian
2 days ago
- West Australian
World Gold Council's latest short film shines spotlight on WA Goldfields
The World Gold Council's latest short film to premiere on Thursday focuses on activities in WA's Goldfields, with particular emphasis on an Indigenous company's partnership with a global mining giant. Gold: The Journey Continues — Australia demonstrates how the local gold industry, First Nations communities and businesses were collaborating to deepen Indigenous participation in WA's gold mining sector. The film is the third in a global series from the council that tell 'real stories of those who live and work in responsible gold mining operations', and follows the global success of Gold: A Journey, in 2023, starring British film star Idris Elba. Representatives from the World Gold Council, Minerals Council of Australia, and Gold Industry Group visited Kalgoorlie-Boulder on Wednesday ahead of the film's premiere at WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth on Thursday night. The three groups are presenting the film in partnership. The gold council's chief strategy officer Terry Heymann said the film series aimed to highlight the social and community value being generated through 'responsible' gold mining, a sector more known for its economic contribution. 'Given Australia is the world's third-largest gold producer and home to what is widely regarded as the oldest Indigenous culture, we've long wanted to explore the wisdom, experiences and learnings embedded in Australia's gold mining sector,' he said. 'A sustainable gold mining industry is contingent on championing ways for Indigenous people to preserve their deep connections to land and nature while benefit as active participants. 'Exploring partnerships that are achieving this through courage, trust, patience and resilience to overcome what can be exciting but complex challenges has been an immensely insightful and rewarding experience.' Central to the film is mining services company Carey Group, which employs First Nations people and is anchored by its 30-year partnership with global gold mining group AngloGold Ashanti at the Sunrise Dam mine in the northern Goldfields. Carey Group founder and managing director Daniel Tucker has played a key role forging new pathways for Indigenous people, fusing traditional knowledge with a business mindset and skills. Rowena Leslie, co-founder of mining services firm Kai Rho Contracting, who is also featured in the film, was mentored by Mr Tucker. Similarly, Gohar Rind, owner of technology firm Yira Yarkiny Group, benefited from a Carey Group scholarship. AngloGold's contractual arrangements have been augmented with business coaching and mentoring. AngloGold vice-president investor relations, communication and ESG Andrea Maxey said the company was focused on supporting local economics and communities. 'Our purchasing and supply chain team works closely with our community team to ensure mechanisms that build trust (and) cultural awareness, (with) hands-on support built into contracts,' she said. Mr Tucker said Aboriginal-owned business participation in mining was evolving, with Carey Group starting 30 years ago with a blank canvas but a strong vision to work and thrive in industries 'that had long left us out'. 'Our breakthrough came in 1996 when AngloGold Ashanti — then Acacia Resources — saw more opportunity than risk in creating Australia's first Indigenous partnership with Carey Group,' he said. 'Fast forward to today, and our journey is inspiring First Nations people across Australia and in regions as far afield as Canada to consider similar models. 'We are proud and grateful to share our story in this documentary.' Mr Tucker said the role of Indigenous businesses in mining was still in its infancy. 'There is still so much opportunity for First Nations-owned businesses to grow, diversify and achieve major milestones into the future,' he said.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- The Advertiser
New beginning for Greens after senator's defection
The Greens have unveiled a blueprint to rebuild the party in the aftermath of a senator's shock defection to Labor. Greens leader Larissa Waters announced she will take over the First Nations portfolio after the minor party's last Indigenous member quit the Greens to join Labor. Dorinda Cox's move represents another setback for the Greens, following a disappointing federal election result that cost them three out of four seats in the lower house. But Senator Waters' new portfolio allocations, unveiled on Wednesday, are aimed at providing a fresh start. "This parliament could achieve real progress," she said. "With the Greens being in the sole balance of power, there is no excuse now for Labor to resist real reform to help people and nature." Though Senator Cox has been added to Labor's ranks, it only has 29 members in the upper house which means the federal government would still need support from the Greens to pass legislation. Citing an "epidemic" of violence against women, women's safety and equality will become a priority for the party under Senator Waters' leadership. However, the Greens will continue to take action on environment, housing and the cost of living, Senator Waters said. Every member of the federal Greens has been allocated to at least one portfolio. Senator Waters will oversee climate change and energy, and women's issues while her deputy Mehreen Faruqi will be in charge of tertiary education, anti-racism and international aid. Most members have generally kept to the same portfolios as previously allocated, but some have picked up extra areas to focus on, with Barbara Pocock set to lead housing and Nick McKim heading LGBTQI issues. Senator Cox's defection came after she reportedly lost a bid to become party deputy and told the new leader to "grow a spine", though Senator Waters said she did not remember the incident. "There was a lot going on that day," she told the Today show. "I am a conciliatory person but I'm also pretty firm." Senator Cox was accused of bullying Greens staffers in 2024, with as many as 20 employees leaving in three years and complaints made to parliament's workplace support service. Though Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the allegations had been examined, Nationals senator Matt Canavan said Australians needed answers about whether Labor contacted those who made the claims and what kind of due diligence had been undertaken. The Greens have unveiled a blueprint to rebuild the party in the aftermath of a senator's shock defection to Labor. Greens leader Larissa Waters announced she will take over the First Nations portfolio after the minor party's last Indigenous member quit the Greens to join Labor. Dorinda Cox's move represents another setback for the Greens, following a disappointing federal election result that cost them three out of four seats in the lower house. But Senator Waters' new portfolio allocations, unveiled on Wednesday, are aimed at providing a fresh start. "This parliament could achieve real progress," she said. "With the Greens being in the sole balance of power, there is no excuse now for Labor to resist real reform to help people and nature." Though Senator Cox has been added to Labor's ranks, it only has 29 members in the upper house which means the federal government would still need support from the Greens to pass legislation. Citing an "epidemic" of violence against women, women's safety and equality will become a priority for the party under Senator Waters' leadership. However, the Greens will continue to take action on environment, housing and the cost of living, Senator Waters said. Every member of the federal Greens has been allocated to at least one portfolio. Senator Waters will oversee climate change and energy, and women's issues while her deputy Mehreen Faruqi will be in charge of tertiary education, anti-racism and international aid. Most members have generally kept to the same portfolios as previously allocated, but some have picked up extra areas to focus on, with Barbara Pocock set to lead housing and Nick McKim heading LGBTQI issues. Senator Cox's defection came after she reportedly lost a bid to become party deputy and told the new leader to "grow a spine", though Senator Waters said she did not remember the incident. "There was a lot going on that day," she told the Today show. "I am a conciliatory person but I'm also pretty firm." Senator Cox was accused of bullying Greens staffers in 2024, with as many as 20 employees leaving in three years and complaints made to parliament's workplace support service. Though Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the allegations had been examined, Nationals senator Matt Canavan said Australians needed answers about whether Labor contacted those who made the claims and what kind of due diligence had been undertaken. The Greens have unveiled a blueprint to rebuild the party in the aftermath of a senator's shock defection to Labor. Greens leader Larissa Waters announced she will take over the First Nations portfolio after the minor party's last Indigenous member quit the Greens to join Labor. Dorinda Cox's move represents another setback for the Greens, following a disappointing federal election result that cost them three out of four seats in the lower house. But Senator Waters' new portfolio allocations, unveiled on Wednesday, are aimed at providing a fresh start. "This parliament could achieve real progress," she said. "With the Greens being in the sole balance of power, there is no excuse now for Labor to resist real reform to help people and nature." Though Senator Cox has been added to Labor's ranks, it only has 29 members in the upper house which means the federal government would still need support from the Greens to pass legislation. Citing an "epidemic" of violence against women, women's safety and equality will become a priority for the party under Senator Waters' leadership. However, the Greens will continue to take action on environment, housing and the cost of living, Senator Waters said. Every member of the federal Greens has been allocated to at least one portfolio. Senator Waters will oversee climate change and energy, and women's issues while her deputy Mehreen Faruqi will be in charge of tertiary education, anti-racism and international aid. Most members have generally kept to the same portfolios as previously allocated, but some have picked up extra areas to focus on, with Barbara Pocock set to lead housing and Nick McKim heading LGBTQI issues. Senator Cox's defection came after she reportedly lost a bid to become party deputy and told the new leader to "grow a spine", though Senator Waters said she did not remember the incident. "There was a lot going on that day," she told the Today show. "I am a conciliatory person but I'm also pretty firm." Senator Cox was accused of bullying Greens staffers in 2024, with as many as 20 employees leaving in three years and complaints made to parliament's workplace support service. Though Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the allegations had been examined, Nationals senator Matt Canavan said Australians needed answers about whether Labor contacted those who made the claims and what kind of due diligence had been undertaken. The Greens have unveiled a blueprint to rebuild the party in the aftermath of a senator's shock defection to Labor. Greens leader Larissa Waters announced she will take over the First Nations portfolio after the minor party's last Indigenous member quit the Greens to join Labor. Dorinda Cox's move represents another setback for the Greens, following a disappointing federal election result that cost them three out of four seats in the lower house. But Senator Waters' new portfolio allocations, unveiled on Wednesday, are aimed at providing a fresh start. "This parliament could achieve real progress," she said. "With the Greens being in the sole balance of power, there is no excuse now for Labor to resist real reform to help people and nature." Though Senator Cox has been added to Labor's ranks, it only has 29 members in the upper house which means the federal government would still need support from the Greens to pass legislation. Citing an "epidemic" of violence against women, women's safety and equality will become a priority for the party under Senator Waters' leadership. However, the Greens will continue to take action on environment, housing and the cost of living, Senator Waters said. Every member of the federal Greens has been allocated to at least one portfolio. Senator Waters will oversee climate change and energy, and women's issues while her deputy Mehreen Faruqi will be in charge of tertiary education, anti-racism and international aid. Most members have generally kept to the same portfolios as previously allocated, but some have picked up extra areas to focus on, with Barbara Pocock set to lead housing and Nick McKim heading LGBTQI issues. Senator Cox's defection came after she reportedly lost a bid to become party deputy and told the new leader to "grow a spine", though Senator Waters said she did not remember the incident. "There was a lot going on that day," she told the Today show. "I am a conciliatory person but I'm also pretty firm." Senator Cox was accused of bullying Greens staffers in 2024, with as many as 20 employees leaving in three years and complaints made to parliament's workplace support service. Though Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the allegations had been examined, Nationals senator Matt Canavan said Australians needed answers about whether Labor contacted those who made the claims and what kind of due diligence had been undertaken.
