Year highlight 3

Not Just a Job—Launch of Indigenous employment publications

Photo: see caption
Lynelle Briggs, Australian Public Service Commissioner, with (from left) Peninah Saukuru, Matt Nicholls, James Baban, and Phyllis Williams, at the launch of the new Indigenous employment publications, May 2006

The Commission launched a number of publications related to the employment of Indigenous Australians in the APS on 25 May 2006. These were all produced as initiatives under the Government’s APS Employment and Capability Strategy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employees.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APS Employees Census Report presents the findings of a 2005 survey of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. Indigenous employees were generally very positive about their work in the APS, with high levels of job satisfaction and pride in their roles as well as a belief that they are making a positive difference to the lives of Indigenous Australians. The survey also highlighted some areas where Indigenous employees could benefit from further support.

The Getting a Job in the Australian Public Service booklet aims to de-mystify the APS recruitment process and explain how to apply for jobs in the APS. It particularly elucidates how to address selection criteria and how to approach interviews.

The Not Just a Job booklet encourages Indigenous Australians to consider the APS as a good place to work. It includes quotes from 19 Indigenous APS employees talking about the positive benefits of working in the APS and why it is “not just a job” for them.

The launch of Not Just a Job and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APS Employees Census Survey Report included a panel session of employees who had contributed to the Not Just a Job publication. These people shared their experiences as Indigenous APS employees, providing participants with additional insights into what attracts and retains Indigenous employees. Common themes among the participants were access to a variety of employment opportunities, support by their communities and managers, and the opportunity to build their skills.

‘Working in the Australian Public Service is clearly not just a job for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees’, the Commissioner said at the launch. ‘For most Indigenous employees, working in the public service is a positive journey of learning, challenges, achievements, satisfaction and rewards. It provides personal confidence, professional development, social networks and financial security’.