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 .