The Albanese Labor Government is investing $171.2 million to fund dozens of new place-based employment support projects for First Nations people, under the Indigenous Skills and Employment Program (ISEP).
The money will fund 37 community-led projects in remote, regional and urban locations across all states and territories, connecting First Nations people to jobs, training and job-ready activities.
The projects have been designed in partnership with First Nations communities to ensure activities are tailored to local needs.
Projects will provide foundational and job-specific skills training to improve work readiness, while addressing barriers to workforce participation, such as transport and accommodation, to ensure First Nations people are able to secure long term employment.
The Program is also designed to help build the capabilities of organisations to provide services that connect participants to jobs, work experience opportunities, internal employment pathways, and on-the-job support.
The Indigenous Skills and Employment Program contributes to Closing the Gap by supporting pathways to meaningful and sustainable employment for First Nations people to build economic empowerment and improve life outcomes.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator McCarthy:
“Economic empowerment for First Nations people is a priority for the Albanese Government.
“These place-based projects are grounded in self-determination – they put communities in the drivers’ seat to respond to local needs.
“We’re committed to working in genuine partnership with First Nations people and communities as we close the gap in employment and other life outcomes.”