A new Queensland government program designed to create training and employment pathways for Indigenous jobseekers aims to benefit up to 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
A $2.8 million round of funding has been committed to the Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant program, as part of the Queensland Skills Strategy: Pathways for First Nations Peoples plan. This brings the total investment to $7 million.
The program design recognises that skills and training for Indigneous people are more successful when solutions are locally-designed and community-supported.
Proud Iamalaig woman from the Kulkalgau Clan of Iama (Yam Island) and the Kulkalgal Tribe of the Torres Strait and Member for Cook and Torres Strait Islander Cynthia Lui stressed the government's commitment to economic development in remote communities through job creation and fair corporate contributions, emphasising Indigenous leadership in impactful initiatives.
"I am passionate about economic development in our remote communities. We are investing in people - in skill-building, jobs, and training - because this is the foundation from which we grow business, industry, and economically," she said.
"The... government knows the importance of First Nations people leading work that directly impacts the lives and futures of our people and we're committed to bringing that money back to community by making multinational companies pay their fair share."
"Initiatives like this are skilling up First Nations Queenslanders for the good jobs being created through our Big Build and our region's growing sectors like health and community services."
Among the 11 projects sharing in $2.4 million is Thursday Island's Torres Strait Kaziw Meta, which received $177,800 for their Indigenous-led Learners Program.
The program aims to support up to 20 disengaged young people and boarding house parents to gain their learner licence, access driving lessons, and obtain their driver licence to improve employment opportunities.
The project is designed to address local transport issues for young people and open doors to various job opportunities.
Participants will explore career paths, access training and well-being services, and learn resume writing and interview skills.
Gubbi Gubbi man and Minister for Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum, said "we understand how life-changing a good job can be, so at the heart of the... government's vision for Queensland lies a commitment to the physical, social, and economic well-being of our First Nations peoples".
"Labor is proud to back communities and proud to back the organisations that help locals get the skills that they need to get into work, as well as the life skills they need to live a happy, enjoyable, and productive life," he said.
"The very dignity of work for thousands of job seekers in First Nations communities across Queensland is all at risk under the LNP."
The next funding round is now open and eligible Indigenous organisations have until Thursday, 3 October 2024 to apply.
A full list of successful projects and applications for the next round of grants are available online.
