Linfox is closing the gap on Indigenous employment with the help of the Federal Government
February 2, 2011
Linfox is continuing its push to employ Indigenous Australians, offering 12 jobs to new employees with the help of the Federal Government
The government has set aside $4.5 million for Linfox’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy, which aims to employ 500 Indigenous Australians by 2013.
More than 100 have been employed since the program was launched last year.
Linfox CEO Michael Byrne says the company has identified some talented employees through the program, from administrators of complex logistics operations to skilled drivers.
“We are particularly grateful that the government is actively supporting our program,” Byrne says.
“Providing sustainable jobs is an essential element in Australia’s ‘closing the gap’ initiatives.
“It is important for new employees to grasp Linfox’s focus on safety, customer service and operational excellence and we are committed to the successful development of our employees’ careers,” he adds.
Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Mark Arbib says the government is committed to providing jobs for Indigenous Australians but it cannot do it without the support of the private sector.
“Companies like Linfox are to be congratulated for their commitment to close the gap on Indigenous employment,” Arbib says.
“The Gillard government has a target of creating more than 100,000 jobs for Indigenous Australians by 2018.”
The government has committed more than $750 million over five years to the Indigenous Employment Program to assist Indigenous Australians into ongoing, sustainable work.