Our North, whose future: What is the scope for Aboriginal workforce development?

In this paper we use key learnings from the Cooperative Research Centre for Remote Economic Participation (CRC REP), Remote Education Systems and Pathways to Employment research projects to critique the white paper on Developing the North and the potential of such a future to unleash the norths potential. With very little about how to maximise the values of Aboriginal peoples or even a recognition of the availability of an Aboriginal workforce, we ask how this traditionally orientated development proposal will build strengths and capacities within the North, not simply contribute to Gross National Product (GNP). From a strong research base we highlight flawed assumptions behind current Aboriginal employment strategies and what does and does not work in terms of local Aboriginal workforce development. Through this we point to an extensive gap in innovation with industry and entrepreneurial activity limited to five growth sectors. Finally, drawing on the results and implications of our respective research projects, we propose some ways in which industries, regulators, legislators and government sponsored innovation initiatives could respond to better harness the latent potential of Aboriginal peoples and communities.