Morrison Government invites you to have your say on Indigenous Employment Programs

Media release - The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians

Following on from the discussion paper announced in July, community consultations for the new Indigenous Skills, Engagement and Employment Program (ISEP) are commencing this week.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said now is the chance to shape the future of the Indigenous specific employment program to ensure it meets the needs of each community.

“The Morrison Government is working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in deeper and more meaningful ways than before,” Minister Wyatt said.

“This includes co-designing programs with individuals and communities to make sure they are fit for purpose and address barriers to achieve the outcomes we’re seeking.

“This includes looking at our employment programs funded under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy from the ground up, a complete root and branch review, to provide the opportunities we need in a changing job market and recovering economy.

“We are seeking the input of all parties involved in the Indigenous employment sector, including job seekers, employers, industry leaders, peak bodies, and service providers – to help design a flexible program that is responsive to local needs, strengths and interests.

“We want more skilled people in more meaningful and long-term work and want to hear the best ideas for how we achieve that together.

“The consultations start in Wagga Wagga and Melbourne on 3 August and continue around the country over the next month. Given the evolving COVID-19 situation and to protect our communities, these consultations will be delivered in line with local heath advice, and many of the consultation opportunities will be virtual.

“I encourage you to participate and share your views on how a new targeted program can best create economic opportunity for Indigenous Australians across Australia.”

To view the consultation program schedule and find a session near you or online, visit the NIAA website.

The ISEP discussion paper, with instructions for how to submit your comments, is also available on the NIAA website.

Submissions close 10 September 2021.

The new ISEP will replace the Vocational Training and Employment Centres (VTEC), Tailored Assistance Employment Grants (TAEG) and Employment Parity Initiative (EPI) from 1 July 2022. Separate consultations for the future of the Community Development Program in remote Australia will be announced shortly