Aboriginal community engagement and information update

Principles of engagement

The Principles of Engagement when using Aboriginal Interpreters (the Principles) are a guide for undertaking consultation with Aboriginal people where English is not a first language. The Principles were developed in accordance with recommendation 11.5 from the Final Report of the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory, which states:

That interpreters be used at all consultations with Aboriginal people for whom English is a second language. Interpreters must be appropriately supported to ensure that they understand the subject matter of the consultation.

The Principles emphasise the importance of using interpreters when explaining complex scientific matters and recognise the significance of respecting community and culture when consulting with Aboriginal people. The Principles aim to promote consistent, effective and accountable engagement with Aboriginal people through working together.

The Principles are available for download at the Onshore Gas website.

Information in Aboriginal languages

Audio files about groundwater, methane and shale gas are available to use when engaging with Aboriginal people across the Territory regarding shale gas development and hydraulic fracturing.

The audio files are available for download at the Onshore Gas website in the following languages:

• Anindilyakwa
• Anmatyerr
• Burarra
• Eastern Central    Arrernte
• Eastside Kriol
• Kunwinjku
• Maung
• Murrinh-Patha
• Ngarinyman
• Pintupu-Luritja
• Pitjantjatjara
• Tiwi
• Warlpiri
• Warumungu
• Western    Arrernte
• Westside Kriol
• Yolngu Matha
• English.

Audio files in Alyawarr will be produced and made available when finalised.

Community Engagement and Information Program

The latest Annual Delivery Plan for the Community Engagement and Information Program was recently signed by NT Government and CSIRO with Ethics Clearance also achieved through the CSIRO process. This Program will provide reliable, accessible, trusted and accurate information to communities potentially affected by shale gas development and hydraulic fracturing in the future.

Resources arising from ongoing consultations with communities will be developed through the Community Engagement and Information Program and made available.