Changing the Debate

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Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, former director of the CIS Indigenous Program, Nyunggai Warren Mundine AO current director of the CIS Indigenous Program, Dr Anthony Dillon and moderator, Chris Kenny.

In recent years, symbolic acts and gestures have distracted and deferred attention from the real issues that Indigenous Australians face. However, since the 1970s, governments and NGOs have been motivated by good intentions to overcome Indigenous disadvantage. Yet the billions of tax dollars spent have not appeared to close any measurable gap.

When the nation debates whether we should change the date of Australia Day, we should ask; How is any of this going to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians in practical terms? How is this going to generate economic development and employment opportunities, reduce rates of domestic violence, reduce rates of incarceration, produce better health outcomes or help Indigenous Australians empower themselves away from the victim mentality? The panel will focus on exploring practical approaches toward Indigenous advancement.

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price is a Warlpiri/Celtic woman from Alice Springs. In 2015 Jacinta was elected to Alice Springs Town Council. Jacinta is the former director of CIS’s Indigenous Program.

Nyunggai Warren Mundine AO is passionate about Economic Development in Indigenous Australia. As Chairman of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation as well as Chairman of the Australian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and current director of the CIS Indigenous Program.

Dr Anthony Dillon is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with Australian Catholic University. Anthony is concerned with positive psychology particularly with regard to Aboriginal Australians and overcoming the victim mentality in order for individuals to take control of their lives.

Chris Kenny is Associate Editor and columnist at The Australian newspaper as well as the host of The Kenny Report, 5pm weeknights on SkyNews Australia. Chris is also on the governments Senior Advisory Group for an Indigenous Voice.