Enabling remote Aboriginal economic participation through financial, economic and marketplace capabilities

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Publication TypeResearch BriefAbstractIncreasing Indigenous economic participation, and addressing the need for greater economic inclusion of NT residents located in remote regions in particular, remains a central challenge for the NT government. Historically, different government persuasions and discourse have emphasized superficially similar policy enablers to address gaps in social infrastructure (socio-economic capabilities such as education, health, safety, housing and protection, etc.), and economic infrastructure (transportation and communications, business facilitation, economic incentives, etc.). One element that is recognised as central but never systematically integrated in efforts to enhance economic participation is the gap in economic, commercial and financial knowhow, embedded in individuals and in institutions located in remote regions, relative to what is found in the mainstream economy. A key realisation associated with addressing such capabilities gap is that most programs and initiatives taking place outside the mainstream economy display inadequate effectiveness, for reasons outlined in this brief. While ASIC fulfils a useful coordination role with a number of key stakeholders (including the school system) involved in raising financial literacy for a number of disadvantaged groups located outside the mainstream Australian society, the challenges of the more remote regions reflect issues of a different nature and magnitude. This paper acknowledges the difficulties and the costs of not addressing the fundamental capabilities gap arising for those living outside the mainstream economy, and discusses some opportunities to target ‘excluded’ individuals and groups seeking to develop the knowhow and tools that would allow them to benefit and contribute wherever they are located.AuthorTremblay, P.Publication CollectionNorthern Institute Research BriefsAlternative CollectionTerritory Economic SummitsIssue1Suggested CitationTremblay, P. (2017). Enabling remote Aboriginal economic participation through financial, economic and marketplace
capabilities. Research Brief [Informing the Territory Economic Summits], 01/2017. Darwin, NT: Northern Institute, Charles
Darwin University.ContactPascal Tremblay pascal.tremblay@cdu.edu.auISSN2206-3862PublisherNorthern Institute, Charles Darwin UniversityPlace of PublicationDarwin