Federal government injects $436m into foundation skills
The Federal government is investing up to $436m to improve employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians, with much of the funding earmarked to go to the Territory.
Indigenous Affairs
Don't miss out on the headlines from Indigenous Affairs. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The federal government has conceded the country has not “done enough” to close the gap and will inject $436m into improving education and employment outcomes for Australians.
A stream focusing on First Nations people struggling with foundation skills will be part of the program.
The funding will reform the delivery of community-led “foundation skills” programs over the next four years with a focus on maths, literacy and digital skills.
Federal Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said about one in five Australian adults did not have the basic skills needed to participate fully in society.
“Unfortunately, that’s double for the Indigenous people of this land and it’s higher again when you get out to the regional and remote communities,” he said during a trip to the Top End on Wednesday.
“Far too many adult Australians face significant challenges with reading, writing, numeracy and digital skills – and this disproportionably affects First Nations Australians.
“The system has failed these people and for the sake of equity, inclusion and economic growth we need to act.”
Mr O’Connor said a large portion of the funding would be given to the Territory but could not confirm an exact figure.
The new stream in the Skills for Education and Employment program will be delivered through First Nations organisations across the country in partnership with TAFE and other registered training providers.
Mr O’Connor said the programs would operate in conjunction with other initiatives such as fee-free TAFE and “other Indigenous employment announcements”.
He said the training stream comes after extensive consultation with Indigenous representatives through the Foundation Skills Advisory Group.
“We recognise a one-size fits all approach is simply not effective which is why we have redesigned the delivery of foundation skills training to reflect what works best for local Indigenous communities,” he said.
“We are approaching a Voice to Parliament in the same way because if we want to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, we must listen to Indigenous people about matters which directly affect them.”
NT Business, Jobs and Training Minister Paul Kirby said the cash injection into Territory programs was a sign the federal government understood the importance of needs-based funding for First Nations people.
“We genuinely – in NAIDOC Week – want to make sure that we are giving those Indigenous people a much better chance at getting into pre-employment programs and then having opportunities for employment beyond that,” he said.
“It does take a lot of wraparound services to assist with that in remote communities and we’re really happy to continue working with Brendan and the federal government.”
Productivity Commission accuses NT of going backwards on youth crime policy
In an unprecedented intervention in the youth crime debate from the PC, commissioners say tough on crime reforms promised by the CLP will instead increase youth offending.
Anindilyakwa Land Council elects new board, chairwoman
The newly installed leader said the land council would continue to deliver ‘big projects that are critical for the future and the preservation of culture’.