2016-06-08
The Australian Greens have today announced a package that would double funding to the Indigenous Rangers program and ensure extend funding commitments for up to 15 years.
“I am pleased to announce today that the Australian Greens have committed to extending the highly successful Indigenous Rangers Program to 15 year contracts, as well as doubling funding for the program”, said Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale.
“The program has continuously proven to be a win-win for ensuring sustainability in Aboriginal employment, Aboriginal culture and the environment. It is a wonderful intersection of science, environmentalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples traditional management.
“I am thrilled to be able to visit the remote Aboriginal community of Ardyaloon at One Arm Point, north of Broome, to announce this package and see firsthand the fantastic work carried out by those involved in the program."
Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues said today:
“It is great to stand on country and announce our renewed target of 5000 rangers to work towards as part of the greens package that seeks to expand the program.
“This has been a hugely successful employment program and proved to be one of the biggest bang for the buck in terms of employment program dollars.
“Since 2007 the program has employed 770 Indigenous Rangers who have collectively managed millions of square kilometres of land and sea country.
“Increased funding, extended contracts and a national target of 5000 jobs in Aboriginal land and sea management is absolutely achievable with enough political will”.