At least 90 First Nations job seekers in Alice Springs will have access to support to get job-ready and find employment, as the Albanese Labor Government continues to invest in Closing the Gap in employment outcomes in Central Australia.
The investment includes $1.5 million for the Saltbush Foundation to Future (F2F) initiative, which engages with First Nations jobseekers to find suitable work.
Participants in the Saltbush F2F initiative receive tailored support to meet their individual needs, such as work experience, interview preparation, counselling, and financial and digital literacy assistance.
Six sponsor organisations are working with Saltbush F2F to provide employment opportunities for participants.
The investment will also see the creation of a dedicated First Nations Industry Engagement Officer in Alice Springs, to improve local employment outcomes.
Supported by the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce, the Industry Engagement Officer will help secure work placements and identify career pathways for First Nations people, while building the capacity of local employers to take on First Nations employees through workshops and dedicated forums.
These projects will have an immediate community impact as they will connect First Nations job seekers with established industry partners.
The Albanese Government is committed to supporting social and economic wellbeing in Central Australia and has been working with community stakeholders to understand local employment priorities.
This investment builds on the Albanese Government’s landmark $250 million A Better, Safer Future for Central Australia plan.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Economic empowerment for First Nations people is a priority for the Albanese Government.
“We’re investing in initiatives like Saltbush’s Foundation to Future, to help more First Nations people in Alice Springs get job-ready and importantly, connect them with employers.
“Real jobs with proper wages and decent conditions empower First Nations people, at the same time helping to Close the Gap in employment and other life outcomes.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“Every Australian has a right to a job and a future. Employment and economic success are essential for Closing the Gap and improving the life circumstances of Aboriginal people.
“I am excited about the possibilities of the Saltbush F2F initiative for delivering real economic advancement for Aboriginal people in Central Australia through employment.
“The best outcomes are always achieved when organisations such as Saltbush work in collaboration with local employers and Chamber NT, providing the appropriate wrap-around support to ensure Aboriginal people can successfully transition to work”.