Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) Chairperson Shirley McPherson has welcomed funding in the Federal Budget to support Indigenous leadership development and improve corporate governance support.
“Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough has said the new Budget represents a significant investment in Indigenous people and we support the view that people must have increased opportunities and options available to enable them to build a better life for themselves and future generations,” Ms McPherson said.
“The ILC believes there is an urgent need to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous people and organisations to manage their own affairs and plan for the future, especially in relation to Indigenous-owned land.
“Corporate governance training for board members and key staff of Indigenous corporations is critical if they are to properly understand and fulfil their responsibilities.
“Through its own work in this area, such as training for directors of Indigenous corporations, the ILC has found this kind of capacity building and leadership development is a key ingredient in promoting badly-needed economic development in Indigenous communities,” she said.
In the 2006 Budget last night, the Australian Government announced that it would commit:
- $28 million over four years for improving the delivery capacity of Indigenous corporations and;
- $23 million over four years to conduct a range of Indigenous community leadership development programs.
MEDIA CONTACT : Eric Roberts on 0417 818482
Chairperson welcomes budget funding for capacity development