Early success in recruiting Indigenous entry level employees

The Commission is taking a lead role in finding ways to improve the number of Indigenous employees in the APS.

As a first step, and in conjunction with six other government agencies, we have developed a programme to recruit applicants into ongoing positions at the APS 1–2 level or equivalent.

During 2004–05, 14 applicants were recruited. They have attended fortnightly training towards a Certificate III in Government, complementing their work within their respective agencies.

When they complete their certificates, all will be eligible to apply for other positions within the APS to broaden their emerging careers. The trainees have become a support network for each other and are positive about their involvement in the programme. A participant remarked:

From personnel development to economic independence, the programme has taught me the importance of networking and enabled me to empower myself. The next step in the process would be to follow up as a group in our journey of learning.

The six agencies involved include the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the Department of Family and Community Services, Aboriginal Hostels Limited, the Australian Customs Service and the Australian Federal Police. In addition, all agencies worked alongside the only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job network provider in the Canberra region, the Ngunnawal Aboriginal Corporation.

This cross-agency initiative shows the success that can be achieved through collaboration and commitment when service delivery is paramount.

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