In the lead up to the 2019 federal election, the Australian Labor Party announced it would double funding for Indigenous rangers and Indigenous Protected Areas. They committed to doubling the number of full-time Indigenous ranger jobs to nearly 1700 and to implementing six year rolling contracts that would provide longer term security to rangers working on the ground.

This policy recognised the powerful social, economic and environmental benefits Indigenous rangers and Indigenous Protected Areas deliver to all Australians. Around Australia, Indigenous rangers care for country by taking on environmental threats like huge destructive wildfires, feral animals and invasive weeds. The Indigenous ranger program means more people work in meaningful jobs, supporting their families and becoming role models in their communities.

Country Needs People applauded Labor’s 2019 policy as “visionary” however, with new leadership comes change. The ALP is currently reviewing the policies it took to the 2019 election. Throughout 2020, the ALP will continuously develop new policies that it wants to pitch to Australians. Country Needs People is nonpartisan - we reckon Indigenous rangers and Indigenous Protected Areas demonstrate success every side of politics should get behind - and we think it’s important both major parties lift the bar on what we can achieve by growing and securing Indigenous ranger jobs and IPAs.

We are calling on the Australian Labor Party to recommit to doubling funding for Indigenous rangers and Indigenous Protected Areas. Join us in sending a message to your local Labor MP and the Labor leaders and show them that supporting Indigenous rangers and IPAs is important to all Australians.