This research investigates the livelihoods of people in Anmatjere region. It looks at the pathways and barriers between people and jobs in this remote region where most people are Aboriginal. There are many seasonal jobs available particularly in the horticulture industry but labour force participation by Aboriginal people is low. Local government identified this as a core issue for regional development. We applied the sustainable livelihoods approach and conducted interviews and focus group discussions with local people. Desert regions often experience high socio-ecological
uncertainty. In Anmatjere cultural difference adds more uncertainty. Appropriate employment-related institutions (rules, norms, strategies) could mitigate this uncertainty.