Investing in Indigenous leadership

The Gillard Government today announced a significant increase in its investment in the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre (AILC), committing $8.36 million over the next four years for the delivery of accredited leadership programs to Indigenous Australians.

This investment will nearly double the number of places available through accredited AILC leadership programs and will see an additional 720 Indigenous leaders graduate from these highly regarded courses by 2017.

The Gillard Government is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous organisations such as the AILC to secure long-term outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

This funding is in addition to more than $5.6 million the Government has provided to enable more than 430 Indigenous Australians take part in AILC programs from 2009 until now.

Our investments recognise that by working together, the Gillard Government and the AILC can provide development opportunities that will help close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage and build a stronger future for Indigenous Australians.

This investment is being made available through the Australian Government’s Indigenous Capability and Development Program.

More than 8,000 Indigenous Australians have participated in supported leadership development activities under the program, helping them become more effective leaders within their families and communities.

The program provides participants with knowledge, skills and experience to reach their potential and mentor and inspire upcoming leaders.

By building their leadership skills, Indigenous participants in these programs can become inspiring and effective leaders who can promote and lead the development of sustainable solutions to the challenges facing communities.

Leaders are selected from across Australia to participate in the program, which will provide a valuable introduction to Indigenous leadership education.