ABC News today reported that Santos is working on an agreement with the Bidjara people in southwestern Queensland, which would ensure indigenous workers are offered employment and training in mainstream oil and gas industries.

“What normally happens is that indigenous people are employed in the industry to deal with cultural heritage and what we’d like to do is to shift that emphasis to more mainstream jobs,” ABC quoted Santos spokesman Craig Jones as saying.

“So that people can get a job for Santos or a job for Origin, or a job for whoever, but have proper training, proper tickets etcetera, so it’s about addressing people’s futures.”

Jones reportedly said it is a “significant shift” that will foster benefits to both the company and local Aboriginal people.

“The theme that we’re trying to pursue is what’s beneficial for Santos and what is beneficial for the indigenous group and if we can think about the future more than just the immediate short term, we’re all going to be better off,” he said.