Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage - Generational Plan of Action

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Jobs

The gap

In the Northern Territory in 2001, Indigenous labour force participation rates were lower than 40%, while unemployment was 13.6%. Based on 2001 data, it is estimated that 2000 additional jobs would need to be created per annum for 10 years to lift the Indigenous employment level in the Northern Territory to non-Indigenous levels.

The approach

Providing opportunities for adults is about ensuring that all Territorians benefit from available jobs, more business and entrepreneurial opportunities, and a higher standard of living. Achieving this objective will require work in adult education and skill training in Indigenous communities, developing and identifying local jobs for local Indigenous people and assisting Indigenous groups to take full advantage of emerging economic opportunities. It will also require a significant commitment from business and industry to increasing Indigenous employment and encouraging economic development in remote regions.

Over the next 5 years, the Northern Territory Government will:

Indigenous Employment in the NTPS

Transition CDEP jobs supporting Northern Territory Government activities to mainstream Northern Territory Public Sector positions, at a cost of $10m
Increase Indigenous employment in the Northern Territory Public Sector through recruitment policies, job redesign, mentoring and support and skills training – existing resources.

Economic Development

Implement Indigenous economic development initiatives, at a cost of $3m
Develop a component under the 10 Year Infrastructure Plan due to be finalised by Government by the end of 2007 to improve road access to remote areas
Work with the Australian Government to provide taxation incentives to foster investment in economic development activities in communities.

Local Jobs for Local People

Identify those jobs within the1500 existing jobs that are suitable for transition to local employment and implement through training and mentoring – existing resources
Make Indigenous employment a focus of government procurement policy –existing resources
Use current and future Indigenous housing construction programs and capital works programs to facilitate opportunities for training and employment of local Indigenous people.

Jobs Fact Sheet (PDF document, 530 kilobytes)