Tuesday, 22 February 2022

Paul Briggs

Ms SHEED (Shepparton) (12:35): I would like to draw the attention of this house to some of the wonderful work that is being done in our community around the enhancement of our Indigenous economy and the man behind it, Uncle Paul Briggs, executive director of the Kaiela Institute. The name Paul Briggs is as synonymous with sport in Shepparton as it is with helping young Indigenous people thrive in life. Paul was awarded the prestigious Jack Titus Service Award by the AFL recently for his dedication and commitment to football and First Nations people, and there is no-one more deserving than Paul to receive this honour. Paul puts his heart and soul into Rumbalara Football Netball Club, where he teaches young people not only about sport but about life.

Paul has gone to great lengths to go further than closing the gap. He wants Indigenous people to prosper in terms of wealth, health, peace, self-determination, cultural strength and happiness with the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity Plan. This plan will actively encourage unique Indigenous businesses to thrive in our local community. It will deliver parity for First Nations people and bring to our region the additional profit of $150 million per year and 460 full-time jobs by 2036. Not only will it give our Indigenous residents a greater sense of pride in their culture and their businesses and employment, but it will integrate new and exciting enterprises into our regional economy that will deepen connections with one another, stimulate our economy and really work towards a fairer society. The plan is on the verge and needs support.