New National Roadmap for Indigenous Skills, Jobs and Wealth Creation

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Morrison Government will today launch a series of industry roundtables to shape a new roadmap for the economic advancement of Indigenous Australians.

Indigenous Australians Minister, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, will kick-off the first of 12 roundtables today, comprising of “Industry Champions” and Ministers to help inform the development of a National Roadmap for Indigenous Skills, Jobs and Wealth Creation.

“My vision for the National Roadmap is a set of agreed immediate and long term actions delivered by the Commonwealth, and state and territory governments by working hand in glove with the private sector and unions to advance Indigenous jobs and wealth,” Minister Wyatt said.

“I reached out to some of Australia’s most prominent business leaders to participate in the advancement of the roadmap because the private sector will help create new and more rewarding Indigenous employment opportunities and mentor our next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs.”

The National Roadmap will be complementary to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, recognising that a flourishing Indigenous business sector remains an unrealised source of economic growth for the broader Australian economy post-pandemic.

“Indigenous Australians are critical to Australia’s economic recovery and will play an important role in addressing skills shortages and helping to grow businesses,” Minister Wyatt said.

“A predominantly young population and important to future skilled labour supply, Indigenous Australians are well position to build wealth and contribute to the economic recovery post COVID.

“This new National Roadmap will identify actions that get more Indigenous people job-ready, increase Indigenous participation in the workforce and provide more business opportunities to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians achieve their economic aspirations.

“Over the next five weeks, a series of roundtables will enable Indigenous Australians and industry to inform the National Roadmap, identify the roles and responsibilities of different partners, and to signal a shared commitment to this nation building endeavour.

“We know we can’t do it alone and so we have key industry leaders also driving change in their sectors to develop and deliver the Roadmap.”

Industry Champions involved in today’s roundtable launch include:

• Ms Jennifer Westacott, Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia
• Ms Tania Constable PSM, Chief Executive of the Minerals Council of Australia
• Mr Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group
• Dr Brendan Nelson, President of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific
• Ms Sally McManus, Secretary of Australian Council of Trade Unions
• Ms Jenny Lambert, Employment & Skills Director, Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Mr Adam Boyton, National Skills Commissioner
• Mr Darren Godwell, CEO i2i Global
• Ms Mikaela Jade, Founder and CEO Indigitel
• Mr Shane Fields, Managing Director of Fields Group
• Mr Neville Power, Chairman of Perth Airport
• Mr Tom Harley, Chief Executive Officer of Sydney Swans
• Ms Suzi Hullick, National Manager of Indigenous Business, Westpac
• Ms Jo Boundy, Chief Marketing Officer of Qantas Group
• Mr Jeff Maguire, Group Head of CDS Implementation at Coca-Cola Amatil
• Ms Kate Carnell, Former Australian Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman

Business Council of Australia’s Jennifer Westacott said: “Business stands ready to work alongside government and Indigenous communities to create jobs, Indigenous businesses and the conditions to share in the prosperity of the country.

“The government’s well-considered plan for a National Roadmap for Indigenous Skills, Jobs and Wealth Creation represents a partnership that helps to shift the dial and delivers meaningful opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

“The BCA’s purpose is to ensure a strong Australia and prosperity for all Australians - that means that no-one is left behind. One successful Raising the Bar initiative has seen members collectively spend more than $3 billion to boost Indigenous businesses, create new opportunities and deliver greater economic participation.

“BCA members are significant employers, employing 20,000 Indigenous Australians. We continue to measure our progress and engagement with Indigenous communities.”

Minerals Council of Australia’s Tania Constable said: “Australian mining was among the leaders in establishing tailored Indigenous employment, training and business programs through Traditional Owner partnerships.

“Today, mining is proud to be one of the leading private sector employers of First Nations people and a major customer of diverse Indigenous businesses providing high quality goods and services across the value chain.

“As mining strengthens First Nations partnerships, the industry is committed to also increasing the number of Indigenous leaders and professionals – including executives and engineers – its spend with Indigenous businesses, and the number of First Nations-owned mining projects.”