Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest consults far-west NSW on Indigenous disadvantage report

Mining magnate and philanthropist Andrew Forrest is visiting Wilcannia in far-west New South Wales today, continuing consultations on his recently-released report into Indigenous disadvantage. The Prime Minister described the report as "bold and ambitious" but Mr Forrest said it holds the key to addressing disadvantage and a lack of opportunities in remote Australia. Land Council describes approach 'paternalistic' The acting CEO of the Wilcannia Local Aboriginal Land Council, Jenny Thwaites, said she is sceptical about Mr Forrest's approach to providing employment opportunities for remote Indigenous people. "His experience in providing employment is in mining, and unless there's something I've missed, there isn't any mining happening around Wilcannia," she said.