Queensland resources sector’s record support for Indigenous business revealed as industry celebrates Indigenous talent
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Queensland’s resources sector came together last night for one of its major awards events celebrating the importance of diversity, cultural awareness and social cohesion within our state’s most important industry.
The Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) Indigenous Awards are held every two years to recognise the significant achievements of indigenous people and businesses within the resources sector, and their proud contributions to Queensland.
This year’s awards acknowledged the people and projects that are building cultural awareness and inclusion in the sector, as well as businesses that are using traditional and cultural practices to improve the sector’s approach to environmental and social outcomes.
These practices are being adopted by the sector even more, and in 2023-24 resources companies increased their spend with indigenous businesses by 45.6 per cent to $207.4 million, which is a 300 per cent increase over the past five years.
Women accounted for a record 32 per cent of the resources sector’s Indigenous workforce, which is significantly higher than the industry-wide figure of 23 per cent women.
A shining example is Jemma Kemp from Thiess who took out the award for Indigenous Advocacy in Queensland Resources for her role as a cultural champion, operator, trainee assessor and crew safety representative.
Mentoring forms a large component of Jemma’s role, particularly supporting other indigenous workers new to the resources sector and ensuring their proud heritage is supported.
A commitment to mentoring and inspiring other Indigenous workers was reflected in this year’s winner of the Exceptional Indigenous Person in Queensland Resources, Clinton Harding from Thiess.
Clinton has shown exceptional leadership within his own organisation and a commitment to safety across the industry.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson congratulated all award winners as leading examples of the workforce behind Queensland’s resources sector that contributed $120.2 billion to the state economy last year.
“Clinton and Jemma are making outstanding contributions to improving employment opportunities for Indigenous people in the resources sector by setting great examples of what can be achieved,” Ms Hewson said.
“A diverse workforce is a stronger workforce and I’m very pleased to see the commitment of QRC member companies to reflect the communities in which we operate through our workforce.”
The QRC’s latest figures show that in 2023-24, Indigenous people represent 5.4 per cent of the resources sector workforce. It remains above 5.2 per cent Indigenous representation in the Queensland population.
The average wage paid to Indigenous employees increased four per cent, reflecting the skill level of Indigenous workers and the number in leadership roles.
Machinery operators and drivers were the most popular roles accounting for 44.6 per cent of the Queensland resources sector’s Indigenous workforce, followed by technicians and trades (20.8%) and professional roles (18.7%).
“The resources sector is continually looking to increase the participation of Indigenous people, and we hope these awards will inspire more into one of the many rewarding careers available,” Mrs Hewson said.
“Resources companies across Queensland are actively encouraging Indigenous people into their workforces, particularly in regional and remote areas where they operate.
“The QRC’s educational arm, the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) is also playing an important role in introducing Indigenous school students to the apprenticeships and traineeships available in resources that can set them on the path to a prosperous career.”
Media contact:
Jana Dore – [email protected] or 0450 318 223
Matt Dunstan – [email protected] or 0411 535 072
