Ministerial Speech
11 August 2008
Launch of Indigenous Cabin Crew Training
Brisbane
I would like to start by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of this land and I pay respect to elders, both past and present.
I am delighted to be here today – on behalf of the Government - to launch this Structured Training Employment Project — Employment and Related Services – or STEP ERS.
Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, is unable to be here today and has asked me to pass on his apologies. He also sends his best wishes to all those involved in this project.
The Australian Government is proud to support this partnership between Aviation Australia and Career Enterprise Australia.
Since Kevin Rudd was elected Prime Minister late last year, he has consistently made it clear that a key goal of our Government is to make significant and measurable improvements in indigenous health and wellbeing. Labor has set a task to halve the gap in numeracy and literacy within a decade, and to eradicate the gap in life expectancy within a generation.
However, these measurers – as important as they are - can only go so far to address disadvantage. It is also critical, when indigenous Australians leave school, that there are jobs waiting for them. And even more importantly, that there are genuine careers waiting for them.
This is where the private sector has to step in – to provide not only jobs, but good jobs. And to provide training and education that will set up the graduates for life with stable and meaningful employment.
There are positive flow-on effects, as well. Programs to help train and employ indigenous Australians assist not only those individuals who are the direct beneficiaries, they also help to raise the visibility of indigenous Australians in that industry, and provide role-models for younger indigenous Australians in that field.
Addressing the disadvantages that are so prevalent in indigenous Australia is a task of utmost importance, and it is one that this government is committed to addressing.
The Australian Government has allocated $548 650 to support this project - just one way we are helping to close the gap.
And I wholeheartedly congratulate everyone here today for your role in taking such a positive and proactive step in promoting real opportunities for indigenous employment and social inclusion.
Thank you again for inviting me here today.
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