Indigenous Employment Discussion Paper Released - 6 November 2006

The discussion paper outlines a new approach to Indigenous employment servicing in urban and major regional centres. Changes would increase the focus on placement directly into jobs taking advantage of the strong employment opportunities provided in these areas.

"Australia’s labour market is at its strongest in 30 years. We need to ensure that Indigenous Australians are receiving the best assistance to capitalise on the benefits of these conditions", Mr Andrews said.

Changes would see the introduction of an enhanced Structured Training and Employment Projects (STEP) brokerage service in selected locations in place of the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) programme and Indigenous Employment Centres. STEP is part of the Indigenous Employment Policy and funds a range of activities which focus on meeting employer demand through tailored assistance to employ Indigenous job seekers. Enhanced STEP brokerage services would operate flexibly and combine work experience, training and links to local employers.

Community work activities that are currently provided by CDEP would continue to be provided through enhanced STEP for those individuals who are not ready for training or job placement.

Organisations, including current CDEP service providers, could apply to deliver enhanced STEP brokerage services.

The release of the discussion paper is followed by an extensive consultation process, which includes face-to-face feedback sessions in over 30 locations across Australia. Individuals and organisations can also provide comment on the discussion paper by fax, mail, email or online.

"I am committed to consulting widely on how we work with Indigenous Australians and the feedback received from this process will help to inform this", Mr Andrews said

The discussion paper and further information on the consultation process, including face-to-face sessions, is available from workplace.gov.au/cdep .