Indigenous employment is set to be given a boost following news that the federal government is restructuring one of its funding initiatives.
Processes within the Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) will become more transparent and organised to ensure money is channelled through to areas where need is the greatest.
The government said the program is an “integral part” of its commitment to halving the gap in employment opportunities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within the next five years.
The changes will see the introduction of assessment criteria based on the IEP’s core principles and will include four assessment and announcement phases each year.
Minister for indigenous employment and economic development Julie Collins said the scheme is already a “great success” and these amendments will only make it better.
She remarked: “The strong performance of the program has led to increased interest from employers, panel members and Indigenous businesses.
“The new process has been developed following national consultation and will manage the increased demand more effectively.”
According to the Department for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the first phase of applications under the updated scheme will be open from July 1 to August 9.
Information sessions to help inform people on the changes will be run from July 1 to July 12.
