Young trailblazers propose Indigenous Youth Employment Hubs at Youth Parliament

Jemma van Zaanen Published July 6, 2023 at 10.30am (AWST)

A bill for the state-wide development of Indigenous Youth Employment Hubs passed through the Legislative Council at YMCA Youth Parliament Victoria last week.

The bill, drafted by five young people from the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI), proposed to provide resources to Indigenous youth across Victoria with the aim of work experience and a steady income.

It also aimed to encourage employment through job readiness workshops, building business networks, and connecting Indigenous youth directly to employment opportunities.

KGI's bill, along with the other successful bills, will be sent to Victoria's Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman for consideration.

Tom Hughes, Brigid Burston, Alexandra Madu and Cindy Chen represent KGI, a cultural centre founded by Richmond Football Club that focuses on cultural strength and learning for Indigenous youth.

The main sponsor of the bill, Mr Hughes, believes the bill is a timely reminder of the generational disadvantage First Nations peoples continue to experience.

Getting a first job "is an important stage in everyone's lives" and Indigenous youth need "support structures that empower them", he said during the debate against Orbost Secondary College.

The bill proposes an Indigenous Youth Employment Board (IYEB) of Indigenous community leaders, industry experts and department officials who will oversee the physical job hubs being implemented around the state.

"We've established job-ready hubs that equip this mob with skills such as resume writing, cover letter writing, and also set up job networks with businesses either all across Victoria or within their local communities to help them get employment," Mr Hughes said.

"The job of the board is to locate where to put these hubs, by either using data or employment rates. This will ensure the data is best used to make sure that these young Indigenous people can get into work and get access to those jobs."

The bill has similarities to other Indigenous organisations around the country. One such organisation that is leading the way is Buldau Yioohgen.

Buldau Yiooghen, meaning "Big Dreams", is an Indigenous youth leadership academy run across Victoria. Young people can participate in culture-building programs and are exposed to industry environments.

Leader of Buldau Yiooghen, David Law, said KGI's bill is a good starting point, but a holistic approach should be considered for Indigenous youth employment.

"Culture should be taught in schools regularly. Every week, every day, there should be a cultural lesson," Mr Law said.

"Specifically for Indigenous young people, and also broadly from the school population. If you had a centre that would be able to be accessed consistently by regional families and communities, and the job hub was just one part of it.

"Having a constant connection to culture and positive Aboriginal peoples' roles models and elders would be an amazing benefit."

YMCA Youth Parliament Victoria is a program giving young people aged 16 - 25 the opportunity to develop and debate bills at the Parliament of Victoria on issues they are passionate about.

This year's program saw 18 out of 20 bills pass through the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly.

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National Indigenous Times

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