Humanitarian Bob Geldof has teamed-up with one of Australia’s richest men in the fight against indigenous poverty.

Sir Bob Geldof criticised Australia’s treatment of indigenous Australians in an off-the-cuff speech in Brisbane.

Lizzie Stafford reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

Speaking at a breakfast in support of indigenous equality mining magnate Andrew Forrest encouraged businesses to support his drive to create 50,000 jobs for indigenous Australians.

Sir Bob Geldof believes it’s about time.

Sir Bob Geldof, Humanitarian: “But you’ve removed from your society of ‘having a go’, 50,000 of your own. And that’s absurd, that’s economically stupid.”

Young indigenous advocate, Jack Manning-Bancroft agrees that Australia needs to move away from the ‘handout mentality’ but they need action, not words.

Jack Manning-Bancroft, Indigenous Youth Advocate: “All of these things, they’re all nice feel good, warm fuzzy moments but when the high profile people leave and walk away it’s got to be something that matters to all Australians.”

In some rural areas, 70 per cent of children do not attend school regularly, while indigenous unemployment rates are three times higher than those for non-indigenous Australians.

The host of the day, Generation One, aims to ensure this is the last generation to suffer indigenous disparity.

It’s on a 22-stop roadshow to garner national attention among all Australians.

Tania Major, Former Young Australian of the Year: “But now we’re saying everybody, it’s an Australian problem. Not just a black problem, nor is it just a government problem. We need to move together.”

Through education and job-training, the organisation wants to break the cycle of poverty plaguing indigenous Australians.

Tania Major, Former Young Australian of the Year: “Post-apology we want change and Generation One is about that.”

Lizzie Stafford, QUT News.