Minister for Indigenous Australians
Thank you Aunty Dorothia and Uncle Rocky for the wonderful Welcome to Country.
As a Saltwater woman from the Yanyuwa Garrawa people, I pay my respects to the Larrakia people and their ancestors, past, present and emerging.
I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here today.
Welcome to the Dangkal Gwo'yal-wa First Nations Land and Water Management Forum.
I'd like to thank Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation for so warmly welcoming attendees at the forum.
And acknowledge the Indigenous Rangers from this beautiful land - the Larrakia Rangers and the Kenbi Rangers - who have made significant contributions to preparation for the Forum and who are providing the opportunity for on Country visits.
I'd also like to thank the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, with sponsorship from the Northern Territory Government, for working in partnership to deliver this wonderful event.
Healthy Country, Healthy Water, Healthy Community.
That's why we are here today.
To build and share our knowledge and to celebrate your contribution to managing resources so we can keep our land, water and community healthy.
For me, this theme also represents connection.
Connection to Country, and to each other.
And I'm delighted to see you are already connecting.
I'm informed we have mob here from all across the country, from our southern states, Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales, as well as from just across the harbour here in the Territory.
I welcome you all.
It's been a long time since our Indigenous rangers and land and water managers came together in one place to connect in this way.
It makes today even more special and I am honoured to be able to join you to officially open what promises to be a spectacular event - on beautiful Larrakia Country.
Enriched by the knowledge and dedication you all bring, and the very special on-Country experiences I hope you will take part in.
As you all know, First Nations peoples' connection to Country is central to spiritual, cultural, physical and economic wellbeing.
The knowledge you will be gaining and sharing this week is built on 65,000 years of managing Country.
Traditional knowledge and cultural practices that today are delivering significant biodiversity conservation outcomes that benefit everyone.
That's why we're ensuring First Nations people are at the forefront of conservation efforts.
The Albanese Government is investing $1.3 billion to support the successful Indigenous Ranger Program and more than $230 million to expand Indigenous Protected Areas.
Rangers help ensure Traditional Owner knowledge is passed to the next generation.
Through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, the Indigenous Rangers Program assists First Nations people in managing Country according to Traditional Owners' objectives and aspirations.
Organisations decide, in consultation with Traditional Owners, how their Country is managed.
This means through the program the wishes of Traditional Owners are respected, heard and actioned.
That's why the Albanese Government has committed to double the number of rangers by the end of the decade and to work towards gender equality in ranger positions.
We're also expanding the Junior Rangers program, and are now delivering new projects at over 80 locations nationally.
As Native Title claims are resolved, the focus of the sector is shifting to protecting and leveraging rights and interests.
This includes considering ways to better support Traditional Owner groups, as stewards of land, water, culture and heritage.
To deliver land and water management activities and to leverage emerging opportunities.
That's why events like these are important.
They allow First Nations people to build networks, friendships and develop partnerships.
They showcase the work being done to create benefits that come back to people.
This forum also provides an important opportunity to hear from Indigenous land managers about their work, so stronger programs can be developed leading to better outcomes for Country.
Caring for Country is also an important way to achieve cultural, social, environmental and economic benefits.
Caring for Country provides valuable work and income that supports families and communities.
Local organisations managing Country support local economies.
They can develop their capability to take up new and emerging opportunities in nature-based markets or tourism, mine site rehabilitation, consulting for landscape management and environmental reporting, to name a few.
The opportunities are endless and I hope your experience at the Forum creates new opportunities for you and your communities.
Your dedication and hard work is invaluable.
And on behalf of the Albanese Government, I would like to thank you for protecting the cultural sites and plants and animals important to First Nations people.
For the benefit of future generations and all Australians.
I hope you enjoy connecting and learning.
Bauji Barra. Thank you.
