Indigenous employment initiatives*
E. Dodd A and P. Ruska BA Enterprise Connect.
B Northern Project Contracting (NPC).
The APPEA Journal 51(2) 708-708 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ10088
Published: 2011
Abstract
With the increased focus on Indigenous affairs and issues in the resources sector, there are benefits and opportunities that come from resource companies’ agreements with Indigenous organisations. There are ways to nurture these opportunities and facilitate these benefits.
The Resources Technology Innovation Centre has a national focus and has created the position of Indigenous Engagement Officer responsible for assisting Indigenous small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) engage with key resource companies in the sector. The engagement of Indigenous businesses with the knowledge, tools and expertise necessary to improve productivity, increases competitiveness and fully capitalises on the present growth potential. The primary aim is to help Indigenous SMEs develop the skills, tools and knowledge needed to improve their competitiveness, increase their productivity and maximise their growth potential.
This presentation will discuss the ways to improve social and socio-economic outcomes for communities in oil and gas regions by linking them with other stakeholders that can assist the Indigenous SMEs in achieving their goals.
Elizabeth is from Mackay, Queensland and is the Indigenous engagement officer for Enterprise Connect. She works with the Resources Technology Innovation Centre in engaging with Indigenous small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that work and service the mining and resources industry. She secured a scholarship at the University of Queensland in community relations in the resources sector. She also has experience in Native Title. She was the anthropology officer for Central Queensland Aboriginal Land Council. In addition, she was mining officer, assisting traditional owners in negotiations with resource companies, non-government organisations (NGOs) and various other government departments, regarding all aspects of future acts and exploration issues in north Queensland. She also supported the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, and Enterprise Connect with the implementation of an Indigenous recruitment and retention strategy and an Indigenous opportunities policy. |
Pekeri Ruska is a Goorumpul woman from North Stradbroke Island, off the Queensland coast. She holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts majoring in Journalism and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. In March this year, Pekeri was admitted as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of Queensland. Pekeri is employed by Northern Project Contracting (NPC), an Aboriginal contracting company, as a Legal Officer and Project Manager. She is the head of NPC’s legal department and coordinates NPC’s social programs. Pekeri has been able to use her legal qualifications at NPC to assist Aboriginal groups to take advantage of the opportunities that arise on their land. She works closely with Aboriginal communities on projects that facilitate Aboriginal language revitalisation, scholarship programs and also edits a local community newsletter. Outside of work, Pekeri works closely with her family to strive for Aboriginal rights and justice for her people. She has experience in criminal law, administrative law, HR law and has undertaken pro-bono work for Aboriginal rights over a number of years. |
