Resource jobs rise for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders

The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed in Queensland’s resources sector is on the rise.

Speaking at the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Indigenous Awards ceremony last night Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt praised industry leaders for their engagement with Indigenous communities and efforts to drive local jobs.

“The latest QRC Indigenous Participation Survey shows members have increased the total number of Indigenous employees recruited by the sector to have increased around 20 per cent since 2015,” Mr Pitt said.

“This is a significant commitment to employing and skilling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, who are now actively participating in the prosperity of our minerals and energy sector.

“I commend leaders in the industry for not just providing work and training opportunities for Indigenous Queenslanders but also delivering real jobs.”

Mr Pitt said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to working with all industry sectors to support job creation and training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

“The cycle of long-term disadvantage is experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Securing employment and training opportunities is an integral element to ending this cycle and employers have a critical role to play in achieving this,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Palaszczuk Government continues to work closely with all industry sectors, service providers and communities, to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to access training and job opportunities.”

Mr Pitt congratulated all award winners and finalists for their contribution to the Queensland resources sector and the State’s economy.  The winners include:

Indigenous Advocacy Award - Joint Winners

Noel Gertz – Senior Advisor Stakeholder Engagement and Strategy, Myuma

Penny Hamilton, Diversity Manager, Thiess

Best Company Indigenous Procurement Initiative – Winner

QGC, Brad Maher

Best Company Indigenous Employment and Training Initiative – Winner

Glencore North Queensland, Roslyn Brice-Houseman

Exceptional Indigenous Business – Winner

RBY Projects, Derek Flucker and Matt Ryland

Exceptional Indigenous Person – Winner

Tom Draper, Client Representative for Portfolio Project Constructions, Arrow Energy

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