About the program
Established in 2001 and managed by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET), the Working in Partnership (WIP) initiative aims to support and encourage cultural change in relations between Indigenous communities and the mining industry, and promote long term, effective partnerships which benefit all stakeholders. Building effective long-term relationships with Indigenous communities is now part of core business for the resources industry.
WIP is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to increase opportunities for Indigenous Australians, noting that the resources sector is one of the few providing employment and business development opportunities for remote communities.
Program activities
WIP engages in several activities and partnerships, including:
Case studies
Working with relevant government and industry programs, the WIP has undertaken a number of case studies on effective partnerships between the mineral exploration and mining industry and Indigenous communities.
Regional workshops and other forums
A key activity of the WIP initiative is conducting regional workshops which bring interested parties together to better develop relations and outcomes. Twentytwo workshops have been run nationally. The reports for most of these can be accessed on this website.
Minerals Council of Australia MOU
The Australian Government and the Minerals Council of Australia have an innovative partnership as another major step in closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage, set out in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- Digedi
Digedi is an Indigenous business service directory for the resources and construction industries. Launched in 2008, the web-based directory lists a wide range of businesses that provide goods and services to these sectors. Digedi helps in developing direct relationships between buyers and sellers at a local level. It provides an easy way for major companies to buy locally and support the communities in which they operate.
Regional committees
The WIP provides support for regional committees that have formed to progress issues raised during regional workshops. Several committees are operating and continue to meet on a regular basis.
Related pages
More information
For more information about the Working in Partnership initiative contact:
Coordinator—Working in Partnership
Sustainable Mining Section, Minerals Branch
Resources Division
Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
GPO Box 1564
Canberra ACT 2601
Email: info.partnerships@ret.gov.au
To read what the Minister for Resources and Energy has to say about the Working in Partnership Program see the Minister’s foreword.