Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Defence Indigenous Pre-Recruitment Course Graduates In Tasmania

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Greg Combet MP, Minister for Defence Personnel Materiel and Science
    Senator The Hon Mark Arbib, Minister for Employment Participation and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Government Service Delivery

Today, 27 young Indigenous Australians graduated from the Defence Indigenous Pre Recruitment Course (IPRC) in Hobart.

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin said the program is designed to enhance the literacy, numeracy, physical fitness, leadership and self confidence of young Indigenous job seekers.

‘As part of the course, students participated in a five-day Indigenous Leadership Program focused on developing personal values, goal setting, decision making, confidence and communication skills,’ Ms Macklin said.

‘We want all young Australians to believe in themselves, supporting them to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.’

Mark Arbib, the Minister for Employment Participation said the Course also had a strong focus on the key skills needed to get a job.

‘The IPRC includes a dedicated numeracy and literacy component delivered by specialist Indigenous educators from the Aboriginal Education and Training Unit South Western Sydney Institute of TAFE NSW,’ Senator Arbib said.

As part of their graduation, students paraded at the Tasmania Police Academy in Rokeby. The Commander of Forces Command, Major General David Morrison, reviewed the Graduation Parade joined by the families and friends of the graduates.

Major General Morrison also presented the Regimental Sergeant Major’s Award for the Student of Merit to Tasmanian student, Phillip Aird.

Students taking part in the Hobart IPRC also benefited from a visit to operational Navy, Army and Air Force bases in Sydney, Nowra, Albury, Canberra and Wagga Wagga.

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, said the IPRC provided participants with a vital first-hand defence experience.

‘This course is an invaluable opportunity for Indigenous job seekers to get a taste for a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force, before deciding to take on the Defence Force Recruiting process,’ Mr Combet said.

‘IPRC graduates will now be encouraged to undertake the Defence Force Recruiting process and go on to enjoy rewarding careers in the Navy, Army or Air Force.’

The IPRC is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.