The Groote Eylandt Local Decision Making Agreement: An Introduction

The Groote Eylandt Local Decision Making (LED) Agreement is a landmark agreement between the Anindilyakwa Land Council, the Northern Territory Government, and the Australian Government. The agreement was signed in 2019 and aims to empower the Anindilyakwa people of Groote Eylandt to make decisions about their own lives and the development of their land.

This agreement marks a significant shift away from the top-down approach to governance that has been prevalent in Australia for centuries. Instead of decisions being made by distant bureaucrats in Canberra or Darwin, the Anindilyakwa people themselves will have the power to decide what happens on their land.

The Groote Eylandt LED Agreement is based on the principle of co-design, which means that the Anindilyakwa people will be actively involved in the design and implementation of programs and services that affect them. This approach recognizes that the Anindilyakwa people have the best knowledge of their own land and culture, and that they are the ones who are best placed to make decisions about their own future.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Anindilyakwa Land Council will have greater control over the use of their land and resources, including forestry, mining, and tourism. They will also be able to negotiate with government agencies and private sector organizations on a more equal footing, rather than simply being told what to do.

One of the key objectives of the Groote Eylandt LED Agreement is to improve the social and economic outcomes for the Anindilyakwa people. This includes improving health and education outcomes, as well as creating job opportunities and promoting economic development on Groote Eylandt.

The agreement also recognizes the importance of preserving the Anindilyakwa language and culture, and includes a commitment to supporting cultural programs and events that promote the Anindilyakwa way of life.

In conclusion, the Groote Eylandt Local Decision Making Agreement represents a significant step forward in empowering Indigenous Australians to take control of their own lives and futures. By giving the Anindilyakwa people greater control over their land, resources, and services, this agreement recognizes the importance of self-determination and co-design in achieving positive outcomes for Indigenous communities. It is hoped that this agreement will serve as a model for future agreements between Indigenous communities and government agencies across Australia.