Australia To Deliver More Support For Indigenous People On Businesses, Jobs

05 Jul 2013

The Australian government will create more local jobs and better economic outcomes for Indigenous people under a new National Partnership Agreement, Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Julie Collins announced on Thursday.

Under the new Agreement, from 1 July 2014, the Australian government will expand the Indigenous Opportunities Policy to cover all Commonwealth procurement processes above 5 million AU dollars (almost $4.55 million) and 6 million AU dollars (almost $5.46 million) for construction regardless of location.

And public sector Indigenous employment targets of 2.6 percent, currently due to expire in 2015, will be extended in the new Agreement to ensure Indigenous Australians have greater access to local jobs.

The Australian government will also require indigenous workforce development strategies and targets as part of future major funding agreements with the states and territories for Indigenous programs and services.

According to Collins, the federal government is committed to increasing economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians so they can fully share in the benefits of Australia's economy.

"This new partnership will build on the good work that has already happened in this area by strengthening government procurement policies to help boost Indigenous employment and business opportunities," she said.

Collins also said the federal government has written to all state and territory governments urging them commit to the new National Partnership Agreement on Indigenous Economic Participation.

"The new partnership will build on the achievements of the current Agreement on Indigenous Economic Participation," she said. "The current Agreement has helped boost employment opportunities for Indigenous people, including the creation of 1,500 jobs in government service delivery."

Source: http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/793801.shtml#.UdZKBTvqHSk