Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders at Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

We value and draw on the skills, capability and life experiences that First Nations employees bring and are committed to developing a talented, versatile, and culturally safe workforce. 

To achieve this, we have developed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention Strategy and our upcoming Reconciliation Action Plan.  

The department participates in three Entry Level Programs to increase employment and retention of Indigenous staff: the Indigenous Apprenticeship Program (IAP), Indigenous Australian Government Development Program (IAGDP), and the Indigenous Graduate Pathway (IGP). These programs create, increase and sustain employment opportunities, provide meaningful career pathways and capability development opportunities and build and sustain a culturally capable and culturally safe workplace. 

These align with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention Strategy and our ambitious and achievable commitment to see a sustainable increase to a 5% target in the representation of First Nations staff in our workforce.

First Nations employees also have access to ongoing support from the department’s Indigenous Liaison Officer which includes access to employment support, career coaching and pastoral care.

The department also has a dedicated First Nations Network that provides provides professional and social networking for First Nations employees as well as support, learning and advocacy in our department. The FNN is managed by co-chairs and our First Nations Champion who coordinate activities and support network members to:

• Strengthen relationships with First Nations communities through programs and projects.
• Launch, develop and implement our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention Strategy.
• Launch, develop and implement the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy.
• Organise and celebrate First Nations culture.

The department recognises the importance of acknowledging the rich cultural heritage of First Nations peoples building respect for First Nations cultures and histories by celebrating NAIDOC Week, recognising National Reconciliation Week and providing opportunities for First Nations employees to engage with culture and community.

It is acknowledged that increasing awareness and understanding should not be limited to these two events and the department’s diversity networks are working together to ensure that diversity is acknowledged year round. 

Department Contacts
Indigenous Liaison Officer 
e. ILO@infrastructure.gov.au