Changes to the Indigenous Employment Program

Following extensive consultations across Australia in 2008 and 2009, the Indigenous Employment Program has been reformed and begins on 1 July. Details of the Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) and Community Development Employment Program (CDEP) reforms announcement are found at the Changes to the Indigenous Employment Program page.

The reformed IEP supports the Government’s commitment to halve the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employment outcomes within a decade.

The reformed IEP

• is designed to be more flexible and responsive
• supports a broader range of activities
• has new elements including, voluntary mobility assistance, language, literacy and numeracy and aspiration building
• has one contract methodology and new simplified contracting arrangements designed to reduce red tape
•  has easier to access services

Under the reformed IEP, support is available for activities that increase employment opportunities and participation for Indigenous Australians and that which will offer value for money. This could include activities that:

• encourage and support employers to provide sustainable employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians
• encourage and prepare and support Indigenous Australians to take up training and employment opportunities, stay in jobs and enhance their future employment prospects
  help Indigenous communities, industry bodies and groups of employers to develop Indigenous workforce and economic development strategies that support local and regional economic growth
• help Indigenous Australians to develop sustainable businesses and economic opportunities in urban, regional and remote areas.

Individuals, communities and organisations can access assistance directly from DEEWR, or indirectly from the two panels of providers which have been established to help provide services under the reformed IEP. When an enquiry is lodged, DEEWR will recommend the appropriate support.

The Government is also increasing access to accredited language, literacy and numeracy training under the Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) program. WELL can be made available to IEP participants who are either employed or expected to be placed in employment as a result of IEP participation.

To assist audiences find relevant assistance the table below provides a cross reference between the old IEP elements and reformed IEP.