Minister for Redfern Waterloo Frank Sartor today announced
26 indigenous jobseekers will start work this month on a $45 million project at
the Australian Technology Park.
Mr Sartor said the jobs deal between the Redfern Waterloo
Authority, the construction union and the FRH Group will provide jobs and
apprenticeships in a range of trades.
“This $45 million building at the ATP will be home to two
Australian Government research organisations and around 600 employees,” Mr
Sartor said.
“This represents a significant boost for the local economy
and the future employment prospects of these 26 workers.
“The FRH Group has also agreed to provide initial tender
opportunities for Aboriginal owned enterprises.”
Under the Redfern-Waterloo Jobs Compact, construction
contracts on State-owned land in the area must provide on-site work and
training opportunities for indigenous jobseekers.
“This agreement has already created 19 jobs at the $40
million Carriageworks redevelopment at North Eveleigh,”
Mr Sartor said.
The contract with FRH Group guarantees 26 positions will be
set aside for Aboriginal people, including:
· Apprentice electricians;
· Plumbers;
· Sheet metal workers;
· Bricklayers;
· Labourers;
· Office staff;
· Boilermakers; and
· Landscapers.
Member for Heffron Kristina Keneally said the announcement
is welcome news for residents of Redfern and Waterloo, where a third of families receive
income support.
“These 26 jobs prove the Redfern-Waterloo Authority is
delivering real job opportunities for indigenous residents,” Ms Keneally said.
The new building is the first to be constructed at the ATP
in six years and is due for completion in late 2007.
http://www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/other/media_releases/more_jobs.pdf