Published: 15 Nov 2023
This Wednesday 15th November at Parliament House Canberra, the future of Indigenous Protected Areas will be under the spotlight when over 20 Indigenous Rangers and Traditional Owners converge on Parliament House for an event marking 25 years of the program.
There are currently 84 Indigenous Protected Areas in Australia, covering over 94 million hectares of land and sea Country, which now contribute to over 50% of Australia’s reserves on lands. Indigenous Rangers are on the frontline, protecting environment and culture across vast, remote swathes of land from the impacts of climate, extreme weather events, invasive species, and biosecurity.
Indigenous Rangers and Traditional Owners are journeying from the Great Sandy Desert (WA), SE Arnhem Land, the Kimberley, SW Victoria, northern NSW, Tiwi Islands, and Far North Queensland to present a new film Indigenous Protected Areas – Keeping Country Strong, and to discuss the challenges ahead with Labor, Liberal, Greens, Independent MPs, Crossbench Senators, and Ministers.
Organised by non-profit Country Needs People, the event will feature Ministers Plibersek and Burney and is hosted by Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister. In attendance will be additional representatives for Labor, the Coalition, Greens, Independent Senators, House of Reps members, and the Jacqui Lambie network representing wide interest from across the political spectrum for the vital work of Indigenous Protected Areas protecting nature, sustaining culture and supporting jobs.
Alongside 47 Indigenous Partners Country Needs People, grows, secures and advocates for Indigenous land and sea management Australia-wide to ensure Traditional Owners and their organisations are properly supported into the future.
WHAT: 25 Years of Indigenous Protected Areas, Wednesday 15th November
WHERE: Parliament House, Canberra.
WHEN: 6:15 - 7:30PM
All Media Enquiries to Bettina Richter
Communications Manager, Country Needs People
Mob: +61 (0) 477 743 105