Aboriginal job funding a ‘waste’

Indigenous Affairs Minister Peter Collier admitted funding for indigenous employment schemes in WA had been wasted as he opened the new Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre in Broome last week.

“There’s a plethora of money going through the sieve and it’s not producing outcomes,” he said.

Mr Collier said research in regional communities had identified the pressing need for a “onestop shop” for Aboriginal jobseekers, training providers, employers, industry and government.

He said Aboriginal people needed mentoring to help them find work and retain their positions, and role models in their communities needed to be put on a pedestal to highlight their achievements.

The first centre was opened in Perth last year and another one in Geraldton several months ago.

Other centres are planned for Kalgoorlie and Bunbury. All will be guided by a steering committee comprising local Aboriginals.

The centres would play a vital role in helping Aboriginal jobseekers find employment through network co-ordination in the local labour market, Mr Collier said.

Mr Collier acknowledged Aboriginal people remained the most marginalised people in the community and faced significant barriers to achieving a positive, productive life.

Goolarri Media chief executive Jodie Bell said she had initially been sceptical.

“But I believe (this strategy) provides some of the answers,” she said.

“For too long, decisions have been made in Perth by people who, while they have the best of intentions, have no idea what’s really happening here on the ground.”