SPEECH BY CHAIRPERSON BEV MANTON
REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

15 August 2009 Coffs Harbour @ Birpai LALC

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Distinguish Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Brothers and Sisters

First, as is my custom, let me pay my respects to the traditional owners, the Biripi people, on whose land we stand on today.

I am particularly happy to represent the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council at to today's signing of the Many Rivers Regional Partnership Agreement.

Only a week or so ago I was in Armidale to witness the signing of a unique Friendship Treaty by the 14 Local Aboriginal Land Councils of that region.

I said then it was a unique and momentous occasion.

The same words can be used to recognize the importance of what is happening here today.

Today marks the outcome of two long years of protracted negotiations.

Many people have worked long and hard to see this agreement set in concrete.

I offer my thanks and appreciation to all who have been involved.

The signing of this agreement is a tribute to the ability of all involved to sit down and work together to deliver an agreement that at its optimum level offers enormous opportunity for Aboriginal people across three of NSWALC's regions.

It is all about creating jobs and reducing unemployment.

Potentially it can make an enormous difference to the lives of many, many Aboriginal people.

NSWALC, of course, is proud to be a part of this concept.

I congratulate the New South Wales and Australian Governments for committing the funds that will underpin this unique partnership. 

I say unique because I think it is probably the first such six-way partnership signed in Australia.

I know, however, that others are also close to being finalized.

It is a classic "Closing the Gap" initiative.

One that for once has involved genuine and widespread consultation with Aboriginal people.

It has recognized that Aboriginal people do have the knowledge - and expertise - to make things happen.

Our people have been listened to.

It should be a template for negotiations and consultations around Australia.

While it was a sad day when our CDEP's were closed down, what we have here is a partnership that looks to guarantee and expand work opportunities and true enterprise development.

It is a great concept.

It will, however, need the hard work and commitment of all stakeholders - and I mean all stakeholders - to make it work.

Today is a great beginning.

We all know how much it can mean to our people. 

Having a job means financial independence and builds a connection with the community. 

It also builds a person's self-esteem and a sense of pride.

And if we do succeed in creating professional, successful Aboriginal run enterprises we they can and should be promoted to show that Aboriginal people can also be success stories with the right type of help and encouragement. 

Wouldn't that be so different from the usual stereotypical portrayals of Aboriginal people as no hopers and bludgers that still exist right around Australia?

Let me just conclude by once again emphasizing how much NSWALC is committed to this process.

We genuinely want to see it succeed. 

And the bottom line is that we will have done something that truly benefits our people.

That really makes a difference at the grassroots level.

We are aiming high. 

Our targets to lessen unemployment levels are high. 

But with unemployment levels amongst Aboriginal people three times higher than the rest of Australia they have to be high.

But let us all continue in a spirit of optimism while also making a commitment to work hard and co-operatively to ensure a successful outcome.

Thank you.