CDU welcomes vision for Australia’s North

The Northern Territory’s Charles Darwin University has welcomed the release today of the Federal Government’s White Paper on Developing Northern Australia. 

Vice-Chancellor of Charles Darwin University, Professor Simon Maddocks said that Northern Australia’s development was central to the long-term prosperity of all Australians, and he congratulated the Government in comprehensively articulating its vision. 

“Our role as a central provider of research and education places us as an obvious strategic partner with government and industry in delivering on the opportunities and agendas that are addressed in the White Paper,” Professor Maddocks said.

He said the Northern Territory and CDU were perfectly placed to continue to build on their well-established relationships with a range of nations to Australia’s immediate north. 

“Darwin is the clear gateway to Asia. Its central role in past emergency responses in our wider region and the long history of our close relationships with our northern neighbours attest to this,” he said.

The university also had extensive experience working with Indigenous communities across a range of issues.  

“We recognise the importance of working respectfully with traditional land owners to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.

“Charles Darwin University has had a 30-year commitment to delivering on Indigenous and tropical health through the Menzies School of Health Research,” Professor Maddocks said.

The university’s research strengths in environmental management and in the sustainable development of the region’s natural resources should be significant in delivering on aspects of the White Paper.

“We recognise that the need for the expansion of agricultural and pastoral developments in the North is of strategic importance as is the development of the oil and gas, and mining industries,” he said.

Professor Maddocks said he looked forward to continuing to engage with the government on a range of aspects of the White Paper.