This paper gives an overview of the research findings emerging from my PhD project about mining development, impact assessment, and Indigenous engagement in decision making.
Effective governance relies on the processes we adopt and the resources we need to do good business. As Indigenous Australians we live in diverse environments and take advantage of the opportunities they offer, but the idea of a representative model for Indigenous governance is just not working for many communities. Individuals that speak/act 'on behalf of’ an entire community and ‘democratic voting’ silences and misrepresents many Indigenous players when it comes to decision making.