The Federal Member for Barton and senior member of opposition leader Anthony Albanese's cabinet, Ms Burney took the opportunity for a round-table discussion with stake-holders in Orange's aboriginal community.

Previously, COVID-19 lockdowns had restricted face-to-face gatherings.

The meeting, which preceded similar visits to Wellington and Dubbo, was held at the Orange Aboriginal Medical Service.

Apart from reconnecting with western indigenous communities, Ms Burney said she wanted to get a better feel for the role of the AMS, its place in the community and varying funding levels.

She said she was impressed with the Orange AMS.

"What I love is the collaboration between the AMS and the other aboriginal organisations, like the Land Council, which was here this morning," she said.

"When you think about the combined budgets of both organisations and what that means for the local economy you start to get the bigger picture on things.

"This would have to be one of the important businesses in town. It employs 80 people so it's a major employer. The Land Council employs 40 people so that's another big employer.

"The economic, as well as the benefit in terms of self determination ameliorating health issues, you can't put a value on that."

Ms Burney said she was also interested in the philosophy around the AMS in their communities.

"The philosophy here is remarkable in terms of generational change, planning and making self-determination a reality which is really important," she said. "Important for Orange but important for the aboriginal community as well."

Ms Burney is also shadow minister for Families and Social Services.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

HAVE YOUR SAY

Send a letter to the editor using the form below