Joint media release: 1,000 new jobs for expanded Indigenous Rangers Program

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy 
Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Senator for Victoria, Senator Jana Stewart 

More than 1,000 new Indigenous ranger jobs will be created across the country, with the Albanese Labor Government investing $355 million over four years to expand the Indigenous Rangers Program.

First Nations women will make up the vast majority of the new full-time, part-time and casual roles, with up to 770 Indigenous ranger positions.

115 projects will receive funding including 35 in Queensland, 23 in Western Australia, 21 in New South Wales, 12 in Northern Territory, 11 in South Australia, 9 in Victoria and 4 in Tasmania.

This marks the first time in more than a decade that new ranger groups have been able to apply to join the Commonwealth Indigenous Rangers Program.

This expansion round also includes grants of up to $50,000 per year over four years to strengthen ranger groups and support their long-term sustainability.

The Albanese Government is investing a total of $1.3 billion to 2028 in the Indigenous Rangers Program with aims to double the number of Indigenous rangers by the end of the decade.

Women Indigenous rangers play an important role in ensuring the protection of sacred women’s sites and the preservation of important cultural knowledge and practices.

For more than 65,000 years, First Nations people have been caretakers of Australia’s land, rivers, seas, flora and fauna.

Indigenous rangers continue this legacy today, managing Country according to Traditional Owners’ objectives combined with modern conservation training.

They use traditional knowledge and cultural practices, and Western science, to manage land, river and sea Country and deliver environmental, cultural, social and economic development outcomes for First Nations communities.

More information can be found on the Indigenous Rangers website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:

“Expanding the Indigenous Rangers Program will provide more opportunities for First Nations people to share their knowledge and benefit from the social and economic outcomes that come from meaningful employment.

“This expansion delivers on the government’s commitment to increase the footprint of the Indigenous Rangers Program and bolster activity in existing locations.

“I’m particularly pleased to see so many new opportunities for women Indigenous rangers who play a unique role in caring for Country.

“I acknowledge the work of all rangers and the care and strength they demonstrate in looking after Country."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:

“We are so lucky in this country to have the world’s most successful environmentalists to learn from.

“First Nations people have actively managed Country for 65,000 years and provide skilled environmental and cultural expertise that benefits all of Australia.

“That’s why we have expanded both the Indigenous Rangers Program and the successful Indigenous Protected Area program – continuing to support Traditional Owners to manage and protect land and sea Country for future generations.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Senator Jana Stewart:

“First Nations people have been custodians of Australia’s land and waters for tens of thousands of years. Expanding the Indigenous Rangers Program honours this legacy and provides sustainable and meaningful employment opportunities for mob.

“Traditional Owner groups in Victoria are strong and mighty. I am thrilled to see over $23.6 million invested in Victoria, and eight groups in the state receive Indigenous Ranger Program funding for the very first time.

“The economic and social contribution of Traditional Owner groups like Gunaikurnai, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans cannot be understated. I am so pleased to see the significance of their work recognised in this way.”