Release type: Media Release

Date:

Rugby League programs encourage Indigenous Education and Employment

Ministers:

Senator the Hon Mark Arbib
Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development
Minister for Sport
Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development and Minister for Sport Mark Arbib today announced more than $3.5 million for three new programs to promote Indigenous education and employment.

TheLearn. Earn. Legend!programs will be implemented with the assistance of the Gold Coast Titans, the Brisbane Broncos and the Queensland Government

Senator Arbib said TitansBeyond Tomorrowproject would receive more than $1.5 million and the Broncos Employment and Mentoring project would receive more than $650,000.

“Over three years the TitansBeyond Tomorrowproject will create traineeships and mentoring opportunities for up to 450 participants, supporting young Indigenous Australians through school and the first six months of their career pathway,” Senator Arbib said.

“The Broncos will receive more than $650,000 over the next two years to improve retention and levels of achievement for young Indigenous Australians during their final years of school by connecting students to their role models.

“The Federal Government, Queensland Government and the NRL throughLearn. Earn. Legend!are providing real opportunities for young Indigenous Australians to succeed in education, training and employment and become legends in their communities.

“The best way to overcome Indigenous disadvantage is through encouraging children to stay in school and get the skills they need to get long-term jobs. Our rugby league players are heroes in the community and can provide great role models for young people.”

Senator Arbib said the Federal Government and Queensland Government would together provide $1.4 million to the Year 12 Destinations Project over two years to encourage Indigenous graduates into further education, training or employment.

“With 20 per cent of 2008 Indigenous Year 12 graduates in Queensland still unemployed, these projects will ensure that this unacceptably high number is not repeated,” Senator Arbib said.

These programs form a part of the Government’s commitment to closing the gap on Indigenous unemployment, with $4.6 billion dedicated to addressing Indigenous disadvantage within a decade.