Aboriginal Victorians get support to find meaningful work with a $15.68 million funding package to improve employment outcomes.

In a significant move to improve employment outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians, the Albanese Government and the Victorian Government have joined forces to deliver several community-driven initiatives.

“These employment initiatives will be designed to make real improvements to employment outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians,” Assistant Minister for Social Security Kate Thwaites said. “By having them co-designed and led by Aboriginal communities, we are confident they will be based on what communities need, and demonstrate how the Government can better work with and support Aboriginal communities.”

The $15.68 million funding package will support the development of employment programs, vocational training, and industry engagement opportunities across multiple regions in Victoria.

“We don’t want to see disadvantage concentrate in communities and cascade through generations, and we’re doing something about it,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said. “We’re passionate about these projects which pull Australians out of the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage and support them to create new opportunities for their communities.”

The initiatives will be co-designed and delivered through the Victorian Government’s Traditional Owner Economic Hub program, ensuring Aboriginal self-determination is at the forefront of the project.

“Our Aboriginal economic hubs do great work supporting First Nations communities including businesses, entrepreneurs, creators and students,” Victorian Minister for Employment Vicki Ward said. “We are looking forward to working with the Australian Government to deliver these First Nations-led initiatives which will further support the work our economic hubs have been providing.”

This commitment to co-design is expected to deliver a range of employment support models tailored to the specific needs of each community. These models may include:

• Employment support programs to help unemployed or underemployed Indigenous Australians find work
• Vocational counselling and pathways, including support for school leavers transitioning to the workforce
• Professional training and career development opportunities
• Industry engagement initiatives, including ‘earn and learn’ pathways and culturally safe workplace programs

With a focus on long-term funding and shared decision-making, this partnership is a promising step towards empowering Aboriginal communities and creating a more inclusive Victorian economy.

Also read: Aboriginal Employment Strategy transitions to full Indigenous leadership