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Last updated: 3 August 1999
Circular 1999/8: Application of the Indigenous Employment Policy Initiative to the APS
Please note: This document is for reference purposes only and is no longer considered by the APS Commission to be current. It may contain good practice advice and/or advice on the transitional arrangements between the 1922 and 1999 Public Service Acts.
On 11 May 1999, the Government announced its new Indigenous Employment Policy (IEP) aimed at addressing employment disadvantage faced by Indigenous Australians. A main element in the policy is the payment by the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business of a subsidy to employers who provide worthwhile job opportunities to disadvantaged Indigenous jobseekers.
2. The policy is targeted at Indigenous Australians who are at a significant disadvantage in the labour market. They must be registered as unemployed with Centrelink and assessed by them as disadvantaged in the labour market (that is, eligible for intensive assistance under the Job Network arrangements). Up to $4000 will be paid over 26 weeks to employers for providing ongoing full time work. A part time rate of $2000 is also available for ongoing employment of at least 20 hours per week.
3. While a major aim of the (IEP) is to ensure that Indigenous Australians are able to access jobs growth in the private sector, the scheme is also open to APS agencies. The purpose of this circular is to explain the circumstances under which agencies could access subsidies under the Indigenous Employment/Wage Assistance programme.
Indigenous Recruitment
Appointment Indigenous
Australians may be appointed to the APS in two ways:
- they may apply for APS vacancies which are advertised as being open to all Australians and compete for appointment on the basis of merit; or
- they may apply for APS vacancies which have been advertised as special programs under Public Service Regulation 71B(1) to encourage the recruitment to the APS of Indigenous Australians. While eligibility for these vacancies is confined to Indigenous Australians who are not permanent APS employees, selection for appointment is in all other respects on the basis of merit. Policy guidance advice on special programs under Regulation 71B(1) is contained in PSMPC circular 1998/13.
Any Indigenous Australians recruited through these processes and who also qualify for the IEP would attract the subsidy. Their salaries and conditions of employment would be exactly the same as other appointees.
Temporary Employment
The wage subsidy is available only for permanent employment. This precludes recruitment under the temporary employment provisions of the Public Service Act.
How to apply for the subsidy
The successful applicant may bring to your attention the wage subsidy by showing their eligibility card. Agencies would then phone the Wage Assistance Information Line number on the card to confirm the successful applicant's eligibility and to obtain an application form. This must be done before employing the job seeker. The subsidy is not available for existing employees.
Inquiries about the operation of the scheme may be directed to the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business Information Line number, 1 802 102, from 1 July 1999.Inquiries about policy aspects of the application of the scheme to the APS, and on Indigenous recruitment in general may be directed to 02 6202 3859.
Jenny Harrison
Team Leader
Values, Conduct and Diversity Team
20 July 1999
