First Nations people who have had contact with the justice system will be supported to build skills, find secure work and create new opportunities through community-led employment and training projects across Australia.
Backed by the Albanese Labor Government's Reconnection, Employment and Learning (REAL) Innovation Fund, more than 2,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are expected to benefit from tailored support delivered by First Nations organisations in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.
Designed and led by First Nations organisations, the projects recognise that communities are best placed to deliver the support people need to overcome barriers and connect with meaningful employment.
Participants will receive practical assistance including paid work placements, mentoring, career planning and accredited training to help them prepare for, find and keep work.
Opportunities will include welding and manufacturing training, paid work in recycling, pathways into apprenticeships and traineeships, and supporting people to obtain the skills needed for jobs in care and community services.
The organisations delivering the projects are:
- ABC Foundation (WA)
- Indigenous Professional Services Pty Ltd (WA)
- Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation (Qld)
- Wilmaru Way Pty Ltd (NSW)
- Sisters Inside (Qld, SA, ACT)
- Oonchiumpa Consultancy & Services Pty Ltd (NT).
For more information, visit the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations’ website.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth:
"Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future through secure and meaningful work.
"Having the right support can make a real difference in building confidence, gaining skills and creating new opportunities for the future.
"These projects will help more First Nations people prepare for work, connect with employers and take the next step into employment."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“These community-led projects have been designed by First Nations organisations to help people access training and build the skills they need to enter the workforce.
“It’s important that First Nations-led and community-controlled organisations are leading in this space and delivering these services.”