I had a very interesting experience up in the Northern Territory, situated 350 kilometres North-East of Alice Springs in the Ampilatwajta Lands (Alywarr People). I was in the desert - hot, dusty country, flies everywhere and trees sparsely scattered around the landscape, making living standards probably less than third world. There was no shelter, no running water, no electricity - very oppressive conditions.

So, I wonder where the hundreds of millions of dollars goes to Indigenous communities. With around six houses built by the Government at approximately $450,000 each, it seems the problems are swept under the carpet because it's just too hard.

Our Government must communicate with the elders and ask them what they need, not what they're going to give them!

It's time to start addressing the problems, not skim around the edges. Money is not the answer, they want to be living on their lands with minimal help and cost to the tax payers of this country.

That is why union and social groups got together and asked the right questions, approached the elders and helped organise a community building for the Alywarr People.

We estimate it would take about 2 weeks to pour a concrete slab and put up a square building at about $100,000 - $150,000, training Indigenous people along the way, saving tax payers considerable money.

It can be done!

Mark Gava, CFMEU Organiser