Aboriginal Employment Strategy

It seems like yesterday when the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, has announced an apology related to the prejudice conducted to the Indigenous peoples, which are mostly called aborigines. It was February 13, 2008, in which the aboriginal reconciliation took place when the prime minister was expressing regretful on behalf of all Australian people. The Australian people should be glad about the courage done by Rudd in eventually removing the massive block to racial aspect in the continent.

Aboriginal reconciliation is a process, which is multilayered. The main subject is that it is addressing the divisions caused by lack of understanding and respect due to the less knowledge of both non-Indigenous and Indigenous. As the reconciliation has taken place, social justice should be conducted with a strong commitment. This is because the reconciliation is about acknowledging history of Australia with basic truth. What both races should do at this moment is that together they can move hand in hand and build good relationships, which, are based upon trust, respect and mutual understanding.

There are some basic rights in which Indigenous Australians should obtain as the first generation of the continent. They have the whole right for past injustices reparations, rights of self-determination and also the vanished of discrimination which is based on racism. As there are some gaps between Indigenous Australians and Australians, they should be eliminated at all after aboriginal reconciliation. The Aborigines are usually getting less attention in the field of economic and social as well as health treatment from the previous government of Australian.

Obtaining reconciliation has involved an escalating knowledge and awareness of the culture as well as the history of the Aborigines. This can lead the non-Indigenous Australians into changing their attitudes, which, are frequently based on misunderstandings and myths. Such kind of good understanding can encourage action that all non-Indigenous Australians play their part in making a good relationship among other races.

There are several organizations related to the aboriginal reconciliation in which they are inspired with the movement. Those nonprofit organizations are there in bringing both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to keep their togetherness. They are to make certain that all Australian people have choices and have the right to choose the way they live.  The Aborigines have the right also to distinct culture and status that can maintain the identity and strengthen practices of cultural and spiritual communities.

The foremost significant thing is that they also have the whole right to the continent as they are the first people in the land. Mabo judgment law in the historic book recognizes this. They have the right to live based on common beliefs and values, and they deserve others’ respected. Self -determination is the main key here as those Indigenous Australians should be able in fully overcoming dispossession and colonization legacy. During the past years, the Aborigines have their right to own property, and there are several steps, which, are conducted from the Australian government in restoring their rights so that they have made forward steps and can help to educate others related to their culture and heritage.

Aboriginal Australians are indigenous people in mainland Australia, Tasmania, and some of the adjacent islands.   Their population is approximately 400,000 or about 2% of the total population of Australia.  When compared to the national average, Aboriginal Australians generally experience high unemployment which can be attributed to their lower educational outcomes. This condition is even greater in remote or rural communities.  The high unemployment affects all through the diverse socio-economic  indicators in Aboriginal communities which decreases that chances of developing careers among Aboriginal people before they could even start. For this reason, it has been the core responsibility of government agencies to help improve the unemployment outcomes of the Aboriginal Australians.

Aboriginal Employment Strategy has been created in connection with Aboriginal employees and the Commonwealth public agencies to increase employment to Aboriginal Australians.  It aims in providing Aboriginal people sustainable long term career path and opportunities across Australia.  This strategy not only provides better employment opportunities but prepares them for their chosen career path.

Public sectors across Australia formulated their own kits in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Strategies.  Although different sectors in the Commonwealth public formulate their own strategic plans, they have many things in common in enhancing employment outcomes for Aboriginal people.  They help assist in the recruitment, retention initiatives and professional advancement in an environment that is favourable and inclusive for Aboriginal Australians.   These are all manifested in policies, programs, behavior and communication within every department.

The New South Wales Police Force, for example, has developed Aboriginal Employment Strategy as an action under the NSW Police Force Corporate Plan.  It aims to provide positive employment opportunities and experiences for prospective Aboriginal recruits.  It also provides a work environment for Aboriginals that is supportive for their advancement through skills training and career development.

As part of their effort to realize their Aboriginal Employment Strategy goals, all areas and units are urged to refer to the AES in developing plans and procedures.  They also conduct trainings to facilitate Aboriginal cultural awareness where every area is encouraged to take part.

The government of South Australia in accordance with AES aims to increase employment of Aboriginal Australians through establishing the foundation for the Department in order to create a powerful contribution in achieving its strategic plans.  Becoming the most sustainable and efficient business is its goal.  The government aims in increasing the participation of Aboriginal Australians across the South Australian public sector.

Private sector also takes part in promoting Aboriginal employment and many businesses have formulated policies and procedures in accordance with Aboriginal Employment Strategy.  These include activities that:

• offer impartial recruitment process;
• promote and provide support to employers in offering sustainable employment opportunities for Aboriginal people;
• provide career development opportunities for Aboriginal workforce;
•  urge and support Aboriginal people to participate in trainings and employment opportunities, stay employed and improve their employment prospects in the future;
• acknowledge and accept the contribution of Aboriginal people within the community;
• help Aboriginal communities, business and employers in creating workforce and economic development plans for Aboriginal people that support local as well as overall economic growth;
• help Aboriginal people in developing economic opportunities and sustainable businesses in all areas.

Aboriginal employment strategy is a vital tool in promoting better opportunities and employment for Aboriginal people and in affirming every sector’s commitment, public or private.  It is the start of creating organizational changes towards the improvement of employment opportunities among Aboriginal Australians.