Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory providing more jobs for Aboriginal people

The Australian Government is increasing the number of Indigenous Engagement Officers (IEOs) employed throughout the Northern Territory as part of its $3.4 billion Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory package.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, said between 60 and 90 full-time and part-time positions based in regional and remote areas as well as in Alice Springs and Darwin would be progressively advertised and filled by local Aboriginal people.

“Indigenous Engagement Officers are drawn from local communities, understand local cultures and can speak local languages. They play a vital role linking people to important services and strengthening relationships between the Government and people in remote communities,” Ms Macklin said.

“These new positions will mean that by June 2014, the number of communities with an Indigenous Engagement Officer will increase from 30 to 54.

“Some of these positions can be part-time meaning between 60 and 90 jobs could be available for local Aboriginal people.”

Mr Snowdon said the new IEO positions will be part of Remote Engagement Teams based in the regions where they live including the Utopia homelands, Mutitjulu and Elliott.

“They will work with a Government Engagement Coordinator (GEC) and other staff to help their community and government work together better,” Mr Snowdon said.

“We know that Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory want more jobs available to them in communities where they live. Indigenous Engagements Officers play a really important role in helping governments and communities work better together.”

Stronger Futures is the Australian Government’s $3.4 billion commitment to work with Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory to tackle the unacceptable levels of disadvantage too many people still experience.