Prominent Indigenous academic wants a First Nations seat at the Future Made in Australia table
ANU Professor Peter Yu wants the government to more specifically consider the opportunities for Indigenous Australians in the new economy.
Peter Yu is concerned that the Albanese government’s flagship $22.7 billion industry policy, the Future Made in Australia Act, has so far not included enough focus on the role Indigenous Australians will play in the nation's energy transition.
The ANU Professor has already been asking Jim Chalmers to carefully consider the opportunities for First Nations Australians in the new economy, including as part of the government’s aspiration to transform the nation into a global renewable energy superpower.
But while Yu said the federal Treasurer was supportive when they met to discuss this issue in November, and there have since been roundtables and departmental meetings, he wants to ensure the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is front and centre of the newly created industry policy.
“The Future Made in Australia policy position, moving towards Australia becoming a global superpower in renewables, has to involve the participation of Aboriginal people at the very local and regional level,” Yu said in an interview with Capital Brief.
