Published Monday, 23 July, 2007 at 02:15 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
PREMIER AND QUEENSLAND RESOURCES COUNCIL SIGN MOU TO PROVIDE MORE JOBS FOR INDIGENOUS QUEENSLANDERS
Premier Peter Beattie, the Minister for Aboriginal and Islander Partnerships Warren Pitt and the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Resources Council today signed a landmark agreement to increase the number of indigenous people employed in the State’s mines.
“The solution to many of the problems faced by our indigenous communities is to provide skilled jobs,” Mr Beattie said.
“I want to thank the Resources Council for their commitment to this ambitious program which is about getting people skilled up and ready for jobs in our mining industry.
“Mining companies operating in Queensland have already put considerable effort into working with indigenous communities on their economic development but this agreement is a practical step in providing employment for thousands of people.
“Current estimates still have us facing a skilled workers shortage of some 15,000 people in eight years time so this is a win win for both the miners and Aboriginal and Islander people.
“Over coming months we will work with the Mayors and elders of indigenous communities to run co-ordinated, local education and training programs.
“Jobs are vital for the economic wellbeing of individuals, families and entire communities and this program will open up opportunities for employment and related enterprise development.
The Premier and the QRC signed the agreement today in Yarrabah. The MOU will commence in the Northern Economic Triangle (Mount Isa, Bowen, Townsville) before being extended to the Bowen Basin and eventually across Queensland.
'”This practical program has the potential to create jobs and opportunity right across the State for indigenous communities.
“I know the QRC’s members are keen to work with Cape York communities as part of this agreement.
“Indigenous Queenslanders are well placed to fill many of these jobs as many communities are close to current and future mining developments.
“We all know education and training and employment must be key priorities for action to overcome indigenous disadvantage.
“This MOU is a practical step in that direction,” Mr Beattie said.
The agreement commits the Government and the QRC to work together on measures such as:
• Education and training opportunities, including work readiness skills;
• Increased employment of local indigenous people; and
• Indigenous enterprise development linked to the mining industry.
Over the next three years, we will work together with individual mining companies and Indigenous communities to reach local agreements under the banner of this MOU.
“These agreements may cover issues as broad as mentoring programs, transport to work sites and business skills development. We’ll also be asking the Federal Government to get involved.
“This is good news for the resources community and good news for the indigenous community,” Mr Beattie said.
Monday July 23, 2007
For more information: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
“The solution to many of the problems faced by our indigenous communities is to provide skilled jobs,” Mr Beattie said.
“I want to thank the Resources Council for their commitment to this ambitious program which is about getting people skilled up and ready for jobs in our mining industry.
“Mining companies operating in Queensland have already put considerable effort into working with indigenous communities on their economic development but this agreement is a practical step in providing employment for thousands of people.
“Current estimates still have us facing a skilled workers shortage of some 15,000 people in eight years time so this is a win win for both the miners and Aboriginal and Islander people.
“Over coming months we will work with the Mayors and elders of indigenous communities to run co-ordinated, local education and training programs.
“Jobs are vital for the economic wellbeing of individuals, families and entire communities and this program will open up opportunities for employment and related enterprise development.
The Premier and the QRC signed the agreement today in Yarrabah. The MOU will commence in the Northern Economic Triangle (Mount Isa, Bowen, Townsville) before being extended to the Bowen Basin and eventually across Queensland.
'”This practical program has the potential to create jobs and opportunity right across the State for indigenous communities.
“I know the QRC’s members are keen to work with Cape York communities as part of this agreement.
“Indigenous Queenslanders are well placed to fill many of these jobs as many communities are close to current and future mining developments.
“We all know education and training and employment must be key priorities for action to overcome indigenous disadvantage.
“This MOU is a practical step in that direction,” Mr Beattie said.
The agreement commits the Government and the QRC to work together on measures such as:
• Education and training opportunities, including work readiness skills;
• Increased employment of local indigenous people; and
• Indigenous enterprise development linked to the mining industry.
Over the next three years, we will work together with individual mining companies and Indigenous communities to reach local agreements under the banner of this MOU.
“These agreements may cover issues as broad as mentoring programs, transport to work sites and business skills development. We’ll also be asking the Federal Government to get involved.
“This is good news for the resources community and good news for the indigenous community,” Mr Beattie said.
Monday July 23, 2007
For more information: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500