Record Budget Builds Indigenous Skills, Jobs and Wealth

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The 2022-23 Budget delivers vital investment for improving economic outcomes for Indigenous Australians, following the Morrison Government’s recently released National Roadmap for Indigenous Skills, Jobs and Wealth Creation.

The National Roadmap for Indigenous Skills, Jobs and Wealth Creation, released in December, brings government, industry and Indigenous entrepreneurs together to design and implement actions that will lift economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In the 2022–23 Budget, the Morrison Government is providing a record $7.8 billion this financial year to deliver generational skilling, and $21.9 million over four years specifically for mentoring the next generation of Indigenous leaders – investments which will support the Roadmap implementation.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the Budget investment in skilling and leadership was an opportunity for thousands of Indigenous Australians to build a stronger future.

“As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is renewed opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to make their mark on the Australian economy and expand into international markets,” Minister Wyatt said.

“In addition to the broader investment to skill up Australia’s workforce, we’re also investing specifically in the next generation of Indigenous business leaders – one of the cornerstones of our National Roadmap.”

The Budget also invests directly in Indigenous jobs, with a massive expansion of the Indigenous Ranger Program.

“This significant level of investment will not only create reliable jobs in remote and regional Australia, it will also bolster our disaster resilience and recovery.

“This $636.4 million commitment will generate up to 2000 new jobs, and builds on the existing $746 million expansion announced in July 2021. It will establish new ranger groups, bring more Indigenous women into ranger work, and provide pathways for young people to get into the land care and management industry.

“It will see an improved skills base as people build careers in land and water management. Business capacity will also be strengthened as people work on multi-year projects, including broadening their fee-for-service offerings.

“Beyond rangers, $56.7 million in the Indigenous Advancement Strategy will support existing Indigenous employment programs and the transition to the new Indigenous Skills and Employment Program.

“ISEP will help build the skills and confidence people need to get into the workforce and the $21.9 million Indigenous Leadership and Governance package announced as part of the Budget will help move people into higher leadership roles.

“Through scholarships, improved training pathways and pre-employment programs, we are supporting businesses to tap the potential of a burgeoning Indigenous workforce to address labour shortages, build capacity and a pipeline of specialised talent to drive economic recovery across the country.

“The measures in the 2022–23 Budget will ensure Indigenous Australians play a key role in helping businesses emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic in a position of strength, pursuing the careers they want, and taking charge of their futures.”