27 March 2009
DAFF09/224B

The Rudd Government today announced it will provide $350,000 to support young Indigenous people keen to work in the pastoral industry and Indigenous employees on cattle stations.
 
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced the funding at the opening of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Annual Industry Conference in Alice Springs today.

He said the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association would use the funding to provide training and on-site mentoring.

Last July, Mr Burke visited ‘Lamboo Station’ in the Kimberley, Western Australia, which is an indigenous-run cattle station.

“The Rudd Government is keen to ensure more indigenous people can contribute to this critical export industry,” Mr Burke said.

“Businesses such as Lamboo Station are achieving fantastic results thanks to the hardworking and innovative indigenous people running the operations.

“This funding will help to provide training and support so that more Indigenous people can find employment in the pastoral industry.

“In particular, pre-vocational training will provide students with an opportunity to learn industry skills while they continue their studies.

“This is expected to include horsemanship and cattle handling at the Youth Development Unit in Tennant Creek.

“In addition, some newly-trained Indigenous employees can find their time working on cattle stations is isolating.

“On-site mentors will support them and provide a valuable source of practical knowledge and skills.  

“This project is about promoting agriculture as a viable career pathway and will help boost the participation of Indigenous people in our pastoral industry.”

The project supports the Rudd Government’s focus on strengthening productivity and resilience in primary industries and building the ability of rural, regional and remote areas to adapt to a changing climate.