Aboriginal Involvement in the Northern Pastoral Industry: Past, Present and Future

  • Paul Josif, Paul Josif & Associates Pty. Ltd., Australia
  • Mr Mark Ashley, Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, Australia
  • Dr Bevyline Sithole, Indonesia
  • Mr Andrew Bubb, Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries & Mines, Australia

    • The involvement of Aboriginal people in the pastoral industry occurred since its inception and was an intrinsic component to its development across the north Australian landscape. Social and industry factors have dramatically reduced the levels Aboriginal involvement in the industry. Various initiatives since that time have aimed to increase the levels of participation which remains significantly below 1960’s levels. We discuss past involvement of Aboriginal people in the industry, present initiatives aimed and increasing participation and the future aspirations for industry and community stakeholders.