Western Sydney Job Compact Launch

22 July 2008

On 16 July 2008 the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon Paul Lynch MP, launched the Western Sydney Job Compact for Blacktown/Mt Druitt.

The Blacktown/Mount Druitt Job Compact is one of twelve Job Compacts being developed across the State, tailored to local employment needs and opportunities.

The Blacktown/Mt Druitt compact has been developed in response to the local construction, retail and hospitality industries. This will help to address industry shortages in these fields and promote continued growth in the current economy.

At the time the Job Compact was launched there were 14 signatories from across the business community as well as training and employment providers. Another seven organisations have expressed an intention to sign on the Job Compact for Western Sydney.

To support the Job Compact, a grant of $10,836 was provided to support the Keeping Aboriginal Youth Safe (KAYS) project which focuses on young people gaining the knowledge and skills needed to obtain and keep their driving licences.

The Job Compact agreement covers a two year period and new signatories can be added during this time. After 12 months the agreement will be reviewed.

To assist employers and job seekers a Guide to Employers who are interested in attracting and retaining Aboriginal employees, a Guide to Employees with some pointers on getting a job and keeping it and a local Service Directory detailing the services and programs available in Western Sydney to support employers and Aboriginal job seekers have been published.

Enquiries on the Western Sydney Job Compact can be directed to Mr Carlo Svagelli, A/Sydney Regional Manager, Department of Aboriginal Affairs Sydney office phone 9219 000 or carlo.svagelli@daa.nsw.gov.au.