Title:
BETTER PATHWAYS: HOW THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT CAN IMPROVE ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION AND OUTCOMES IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

Authors:
Dr Adam Paul Heaton ,Australia

Abstract:
In late 2019, the Australian Government House of Representatives’ Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs’ launched its inquiry: Pathways and participation opportunities for Indigenous Australians in employment and business. This followed the Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt MP, asking the Committee to inquire into and report on opportunities for employment and economic development for Indigenous Australians. This paper responses to the Terms and Conditions set out for this inquiry — from employment pathways available to Indigenous Australians, to barriers to training and employment for Indigenous Australians, to the involvement of Government departments and agencies in facilitating business opportunities for Indigenous Australians. In recognising that the responsibility for employment, education, training and on-the-job support is split between Australian, State and Territory Governments, this paper recognises that initiatives aimedat improving outcomes in these areas must be coordinated across these jurisdictions. Solutions must be co-produced between these levels of government, Aboriginal community controlled organisations (ACCOs) and the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, as per the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap.