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Opportunities - Employment of First Nations People

Why employment is important

Sustained employment is key to the economic and social well-being of all Australians. For First Nations people to enjoy the benefits that flow from employment, they need to have jobs to do. There is a Victorian First Nations workforce ready and willing to work, but currently very few are employed in Victoria’s 79 councils.

We encourage First Nations people to work in Victorian local government. Our careers section has information about jobs available at the MAV and in councils.

Top three actions councils can do to make a difference

1. Getting to the job – attraction and recruitment

  • Decide to actively seek First Nations candidates for all vacant positions
  • Develop and promote council's approach to First Nations employment in existing employment strategies, and articulate this on the council website
  • Include wording on job advertisements that candidates from culturally diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people, are encouraged to apply.

2. On the job – induction and retention

  • Undertake cultural awareness training for line managers and the team where the First Nations employee will be working
  • Consider options for linking new First Nations staff with other First Nations employees in your council, or if there are none, other contacts who could assist
  • Provide clarity about council requirements and expectations about bereavement and cultural leave.

3. Procurement

  • Use First Nations businesses included in the Victorian Government’s Aboriginal Business Directory
  • Become a member of Supply Nation
  • Find out if there are First Nations businesses operating in your municipality and let them know about upcoming council procurement opportunities.

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