"We're all Australians, so we can't have second-class citizens in our own country - the First Nations People ... we're lucky as Australians, we live in the best country in the world, but we just have to get our backyard cleaned up. Politicians have to make some bold decisions for us to move forward as a nation."
Richie Ah Mat, a Yupungathi man, is the Co-Chair of the Cape York Partnership, and the Chairperson of the Cape York Land Council. For three decades, Richie has been active in Cape York reform and the founding of several organisations, including the Cape York Partnership. He has also been instrumental in securing Native Title determinations across Cape York.
During our conversation, Richie spoke to us about the history of socioeconomic issues in Cape York communities, the economic potential of Cape York, and the social benefits awaiting greater access and participation in the real economy. We also discussed the decisions behind the founding of the Cape York Partnership, and the realities of working with State and Federal Government with regard to Indigenous affairs. Finally, we took time to understand his perspective on native title and the Native Title Act.
Thank you for taking the time to listen.