It is well known that Indigenous businesses are more likely to employee Indigenous people. Thus supporting the growth of Indigenous businesses is an important strategy in community development.

Last night the Queensland Government announced the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business and Innovation Reference Group. Chaired by the Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and the Minister for Small Business Leeanne Enoch, the

Reference Group will help to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and innovators and support the development of existing businesses across Queensland.

I’m very honoured to have been asked to be a part of this committee in its first year. I hope that I will be able to provide advice particularly about the important work that our Indigenous Chambers of Commerce (ICCs) and Indigenous Business Network (IBN) can do for our businesses. I’m also interested in exploring programs that will help our micro-businesses to grow into sustainable employers.

My fellow Reference Group members include:

• Charlie Jia, SEQICC
• Colin Saltmere, Myuma Group and Rainbow Gateway Ltd
• Donisha Duff, Kidney Health Australia
• Leanne Wilson, Regional Economic Solutions
• Leesa Watego, Iscariot Media
• Leigh Harris, Ingeous Studios
• Julie-ann Lambourne, enVision Group Inc
• Michelle Deshong, Michelle Deshong & Associates Consulting
• Noel Niddrie, Winangali
• Shane Kennelly, Kennelly Constructions
• Terri Waller, SevGen Indigenous Corporation
• Wanita Gosbee
• Wayne Denning, Carbon Creative