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Strong leadership, robust governance and a commitment to working in partnership are the hallmarks of new Native Title Agreements that are changing the face of Indigenous economic development, a conference at The University of Western Australia was told today.

The Indigenous Business, Corporations and Entrepreneurship Conference 2011 is the inaugural annual conference hosted by UWA's Centre for Social Impact within the Business School.

Simon Hawkins, CEO of the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), said the current social and economic climate called for a new partnership approach between Aboriginal groups and industry.

"Agreements must be more and do more than standard Native Title agreements," he said.  "They are not simply commercial agreements."

Over the past seven years YMAC has been the representative body involved in the development of comprehensive native title agreements with Rio Tinto Iron Ore, covering approximately 70,000 square kilometres in the Pilbara region.

Mr Hawkins said that social well-being, intergenerational wealth creation and cultural strength and security were important outcomes.

Kevin McLeish, Managing Director Argyle Diamonds, said the strength and quality of relationships was the key to successful agreements.

The Argyle Diamonds Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) was signed in 2005 and has become a model for other negotiations.

Mr McLeish said key principles included establishing a financial base for Traditional Owners beyond the life of a mine, removing barriers during the Agreement so that native title can be assured, and building capacity in communities during mining.  The Argyle Diamonds ILUA includes an innovative management plan that ensures the work of the agreement is integrated with the work of the business.

Over the past six years Argyle has created more than 500 jobs for Aboriginal people.  About 93 per cent of Aboriginal apprentices and trainees complete their training, which Mr McLeish attributed to a re-design of the workplace and innovative talent identification and training programs.

Bill Lawrie, Manager South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, said the traditional "either/or" divide between economic development and commitment to culture and country was not necessarily applicable in today's negotiation environment.

Media references

Sonia Nolan , Community Engagement and  (+61 8)  6488 8562  /  (+61 4) 01 034 103
Corporate Affairs Manager, Centre for Social Impact
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783