Employment
Changes To Indigenous Employment Programs (IEPs)
The Federal Government recently announced changes to Indigenous Employment Programs (IEPS), CDEP and JSA programs. The new Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP) was announced on June 19 2012 by Ministers Shorten, Macklin and Collins.The RJCP will commence on 1 July 2013 and is part of the 2012-13 Budget. It represents an investment of $1.5 billion over five years and will help Australians in remote communities to get the skills they need to be work ready, and to provide funding for projects that strengthen these communities and create real jobs. For more information, click here.
The intent of these changes is to provide more effective employment and training services for people living in remote areas. Essentially the above programs will disappear and merge into a Remote Jobs and Communities Program ‘bucket of funding’ that will be accessible on a regional basis in remote areas. One provider will be appointed in each remote region to provide a one stop shop service and will replace the multiple service providers currently providing these services. The intent is to provide better coordination and more effective and efficient servicing to Indigenous people than is currently occurring.
The specific details and implications to programs currently under way is still unclear but it is expected that the status quo will remain for the next financial year.
Expressions of interest will be called for regional providers in August/September 2012, and it is expected that the announcements on appointments will be made by the end of December 2012. The regional providers will be required to develop regional plans by June 2013 which will determine regional funding priorities. It is anticipated that IEP funding will be used to fund identified remote regional priorities.
It is our understanding that companies will be encouraged to access funds from mainstream funding sources such as the National Workforce Funds (which can be viewed here) in the future.
For further details contact Lisa Jeffery, Manager, Indigenous Relations, on 8202 9999 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Employment Opportunities
Career opportunities, benefits and education, and training for Aboriginal Australians in, or in association with the resources sector are dynamic. SACOME works closely with the Minerals Energy and Engineering Academy (MEEA) and the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc. (ALRM) to assist industry and members of the Aboriginal community to access a wide range of opportunities.
MEEA provides a 'one-stop-shop' for participants to partner with government agencies to fulfil their production agreements and for Aboriginal people to fulfil their aspirations.
Mentor for Indigenous Mine Workers
The State Government has awarded a $60 000 grant to the Port Augusta City Council for the employment of a mentor for Indigenous workers employed in the SA mining industry.
The funding will ensure that Indigenous people take advantage of economic development occuring in the region.
The role of the mentor will be to:
- provide off-side assistance to Indigenous mining employees
- encourage other Indigenous employees to return to the workforce
- assist Indigenous employees in managing their personal finances, and
- help organise transportation and accomodation