- Published:
- Friday 14 May 2021
Aboriginal leaders and Government officials will meet in Gippsland today, to discuss ways of giving Aboriginal people better access to economic and employment opportunities.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford will meet with Koori leaders as part of the third meeting of the Victorian Aboriginal Employment and Economic Council (VAEEC), to examine employment opportunities and challenges for the Aboriginal community.
The discussions are being hosted on Gunaikurnai land in Lakes Entrance by the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC).
The Council will continue working on the new Victorian Aboriginal Employment and Economic Strategy (VAEES), which will empower Aboriginal businesses and identify job opportunities for Indigenous Victorians.
In addition to the 20-person strong Koori Caucus which forms the backbone of the Council, a series of Regional Aboriginal Employment Round Tables are underway to encourage local Aboriginal organisations to identify opportunities.
The outcomes from the eight round tables that have been held so far – including Gippsland – will be presented to the Council today.
The Government is also working with Aboriginal Victorians to advance the Treaty process and earlier this year established the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission, which will have the powers of a Royal Commission.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford
“In order to give Aboriginal people the best opportunity to find a job or run a successful business, we need to have input and feedback from Koori leaders and the community on the challenges people are facing.”
“These Council meetings mean that Victoria’s Aboriginal community is leading development of the new strategy.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
“Through this process, we’re committed to ensuring our economic recovery is truly inclusive of all people in our community, including our First Nation’s people.”
“The work of the Council means there will be a self-determined approach to Aboriginal prosperity.”