Antinuclear

Indigenous Land Council describes as ‘paternalistic’ the approach of Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest

Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest consults on Indigenous disadvantage report, ABC Indigenous,  By Gavin Coote September 04, 2014“…….The acting CEO of the Wilcannia Local Aboriginal Land Council, Jenny Thwaites, said she is sceptical about Mr Forrest’s approach to providing employment opportunities for remote Indigenous people.

“His experience has not been in developing small sustainable businesses run by Aboriginal people, which is what is needed in Wilcannia,” she said.

“This is just another case of train people, so they’ve got enough certificates to wallpaper their houses, but don’t necessarily guarantee employment.”

Ms Thwaites said she is doubtful Mr Forrest has a silver bullet solution to providing employment for the community.

“His experience in providing employment is in mining, and unless there’s something I’ve missed, there isn’t any mining happening around Wilcannia,” she said.

“He has a totally paternalistic view of the way to overcome issues in Aboriginal communities.”

September 4, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News