Barry Cable to head advisory body on Aboriginal economic development

18/12/97

Community worker and football legend Barry Cable will head the Western Australian Government's key advisory body on Aboriginal economic development.

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan today announced the membership of the Aboriginal Economic Development Council.

Mr Cowan said that as well as providing him with independent advice about the impact of the Government's Aboriginal Economic Development Strategy released earlier this year, the 12-member council would be empowered to consult with the community and recommend appropriate actions in response to emerging issues.

"The creation of this council is a key part of the Aboriginal Economic Development Strategy, which has a strong focus on encouraging Aboriginal enterprises throughout the State," he said.

"I am confident that the knowledge and experience of the council's members will enable it to make a very valuable contribution to the development of Government policy and programs to expand economic opportunities for Aboriginal people."

Mr Cowan said Mr Cable would be joined on the inaugural council by:

·         Mr Dickie Bedford, of Fitzroy Crossing;

·         Mr Peter Eggleston, of Perth;

·         Mr Sandy Davies, of Geraldton;

·         Mr John Hayden, of Albany;

·         Ms Sarina Jan, of Perth;

·         Mr Des Maloney, of Port Hedland;

·         Ms Marilyn Morgan, of Pemberton;

·         Mr Darryl Pearce, of Perth;

·         Mr Barry Taylor, of Port Hedland; and -

·         Ms Patricia Tucker, of Laverton.

The non-Aboriginal members of the council - Mr Eggleston, a senior Hamersley Iron employee, and Mr Maloney, a retail business proprietor - have both been active in working with Aboriginal enterprise development.

The twelfth council member is the acting executive director of the Office of Aboriginal Economic Development in the Department of Commerce and Trade, Mr Rick Grounds.

"The Government is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal people have a strong voice in Government processes that affect them," Mr Cowan said.

"As well as establishing this council, I have appointed Aboriginal members to the boards of almost all of WA's nine Regional Development Commissions.

"In recent years there has been a growing record of interest, endeavour and success in Aboriginal economic development and increasing recognition of the economic significance of the Aboriginal population, particularly in regional WA.

"The work of the Aboriginal Economic Development Council will help build on this record to achieve lasting improvements in Aboriginal economic circumstances."

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 9222 9595