Commonwealth continues its strong commitment and investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment

Joint Media Release

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP

The Hon Ben Morton MP

The Morrison Government has released a five-year workforce strategy, designed to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities and participation in the Commonwealth public sector.

The Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy 2020-2024 focusses on three priority areas: Cultural Integrity, Career Pathways and Career Development and Advancement, setting the direction for all Commonwealth agencies, as employers (including non-corporate and corporate Commonwealth entities and the Australian Defence Force).

“The Strategy demonstrates our ongoing commitment to building our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce and increasing the cultural capability of our workplaces including in rural and regional Australia and internationally.” Minister Wyatt said.

“A workplace that attracts and nurtures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees will benefit future generations by ensuring cultural perspectives become embedded in all aspects of our organisations over time.”

“The Strategy represents the Commonwealth’s continued contribution as an employer to the ‘Closing the Gap’ agenda by aiming to increase, advance and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees in the Commonwealth Public Sector.” Minister Morton said.

“While we celebrate the previous strategy’s success in meeting its targets and increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commonwealth public sector employees, this Strategy has a renewed focus on developing and retaining a strong leadership cohort. We want to see more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander senior leaders in the Commonwealth.” 

“By building a talent pipeline, through direct recruitment and professional development, we can ensure we will strengthen and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation at all levels throughout the Commonwealth public sector.”

“Increased representation at all levels will ensure the Commonwealth public sector delivers leading government services, policies and programs that result in better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.”

The Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy 2020-2024 is the first in a series of enhanced diversity measures, designed to increase the richness and diversity of the Commonwealth public sector.