GROUNDBREAKING DEAL TO BOOST INDIGENOUS JOBS IN REDFERN-WATERLOO - 12.05.2005

A new agreement between the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) and the construction union will help create jobs and training for unemployed locals, Minister for Redfern-Waterloo Frank Sartor announced today.

The Redfern-Waterloo Jobs Compact has been signed today by RWA CEO Robert Domm and Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union NSW Secretary Andrew Ferguson at North Eveleigh Rail yards.

“Redfern and Waterloo are two of Sydney’s most disadvantaged suburbs. 26 per cent of indigenous Redfern residents are in employment and just 20 per cent of indigenous Waterloo residents,” Mr Sartor said.

“Under this ten-year agreement, the RWA and the CFMEU will work together with employers to improve the local community’s job skills and create real employment opportunities to address this disadvantage.

“The deal requires all contracts for construction on State-owned land in Redfern-Waterloo to include tougher provisions aimed at increasing on-site work and training opportunities for locals, particularly indigenous residents.“

The RWA Board has unanimously endorsed the Compact and the appointment of specialist Aboriginal staff to oversee the program.

Its implementation will be actively monitored by the RWA along with CFMEU members working on local construction sites. Successful tenderers could face penalty provisions for failing to provide agreed employment and training opportunities for local residents.

"The CFMEU welcomes this Government initiative on this major urban renewal project to address the skills shortage and lack of apprenticeships for young people in the building industry,” Mr Ferguson said.

"The CFMEU is already working with the NSW Government to implement culturally appropriate training for young indigenous men and women from disadvantaged areas.

Today's historic agreement will provide job opportunities for these young people and hundreds of others.

"This is a much-needed step to improve the under-representation of indigenous people in the building industry."

The new requirements have been included in tender documentation for construction of a performing arts centre at the Carriageworks, which is due for completion by 2007.