Enforced Employment for Indigenous Australians
3 November 2014 at 9:44 am
Construction companies working on projects worth more than $500,000 will be forced to employ Indigenous people under a new Northern Territory Government policy.
Minister for Infrastructure Peter Styles said the plan would maximise employment and business opportunities for aboriginal people.
“I am pleased to announce the Indigenous Participation on Construction Projects Policy which will create jobs for local indigenous Territorians,” Styles said.
“The Giles Government wants to increase Indigenous participation in construction projects, provide employment opportunities and build the capacity of Indigenous businesses to deliver construction projects.
“For too long there has been a strong focus on providing training opportunities for our Indigenous Territorians, but nowhere near enough focus on real employment at the completion of the training.”
Styles said a provisional sum would be nominated in tender applications which will require contractors to engage with Indigenous workers for projects in excess of $500,000.
“The policy will make it mandatory for 10 per cent of the estimated value of each construction project over $500,000 to go towards contracting Indigenous organisations,” he said.
“The mandatory requirement for all Government construction projects over half a million dollars will support the training and education of aboriginal employees on each project. It builds on previous and future investment in training that leads to real jobs.”
Styles said the Department of Infrastructure’s (DOI) policy for Indigenous Participation on Construction Projects had been developed to provide employment opportunities and build the capacity of Indigenous businesses.
“In addition, DOI has been actively engaging with Indigenous Business Enterprises across the Territory to assess and record capacity,” he said.
“The Northern Territory Government is committed to implementing initiates which will enhance training and employment outcomes for Indigenous Territorians.
“The Giles Government is committed to promoting and facilitating Indigenous economic development and we will continue down that path with energy and commitment.”
Styles said the DOI would build on and establish ongoing relationships with over 20 Indigenous Business Enterprises to build their capacity to obtain, operate and be involved in delivering contracts.
