The Western Australian Government is increasing its target for Indigenous employment in the transport sector, after surpassing its initial goal of 3.5 million hours worked by Indigenous peoples.
The state achieved this goal more than a year ahead of schedule, reflecting an increase of employment opportunities for Aboriginal peoples occupying 8% of hours worked within this sector.
These targets were first developed by the state government in October 2021, with the first target achieved in December 2024 with $700 million of works undertaken by Aboriginal businesses.
New targets are to be announced by the Western Australian Government shortly.
Mining.com.au reported that the country-wide target aims to increase employment of Indigenous peoples aged between 25 and 64 by 62% by 2031. This goal is followed by the federal government’s $707 million investment to create 3,000 jobs in remote communities, as a part of the Close the Gap scheme.
Participation of Indigenous peoples within the Western Australia mining sector sees an increase of 0.4% since 2021, as noted in the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia’s diversity and inclusion report.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti says these initiatives are maximising opportunities available to Aboriginal owned businesses in Western Australia.
“Creating economic empowerment opportunities in partnership with Aboriginal Elders and Traditional Owners is paramount in achieving better social outcomes,” Saffioti says.
“We’re proud to be facilitating training and employment opportunities for Aboriginal peoples across the state, who may be new to the workforce or the infrastructure industry. By increasing the number of skilled workers, we’re also building a strong and productive infrastructure industry.”
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: iStock
