Greens Deputy Leader and workplace relations spokesperson Adam Bandt will move for a Parliamentary inquiry into employment targets in the public service for disadvantaged groups facing high levels of unemployment, such as migrant communities, people with disabilities and indigenous people.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Melbourne Employment Forum, Mr Bandt said employment and of migrants in the public service was static and employment for people with disabilities and indigenous people were going backwards.
“We need to be doing more to ensure all Australians have equal access to employment,” Mr Bandt told the meeting at Melbourne’s Multicultural Hub.
“We have heard from members of the African-Australian community today about the challenges very qualified people face in getting employment. This is a big problem everywhere, not just in Melbourne.”
“The statistics are clear. More needs to be done and the government needs to take responsibility. The Diversity Council is not enough.”
“Many countries around the world already have targets or quotas including France, Italy, Poland, Germany, Portugal, Austria and Turkey.”
Mr Bandt will give notice of an inquiry by the Education and Employment Committee into employment targets and retention strategies for the Commonwealth public service.
Information: Damien Lawson 0487 900 005