The Gillard Government would partner with the Aboriginal Mining and Building Association (AMBA) and the Downer Group Coal Mine to employ 30 Indigenous Australians.

The Government is providing $420,000 through the Indigenous Employment Program, to help provide pre-employment training and jobs across mining and construction in NSW.

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Mark Arbib said the AMBA project would provide the participants with a qualification and long-term job opportunities in Australia’s vibrant mining sector.

“The participants will receive training in occupational health and safety and heavy vehicle simulation before starting work at the Downer Group Coal Mine in Boggabri,” Senator Arbib said.

“The pre-employment training will create a solid foundation for the participants as they begin their accredited training in Certificate II in Mining Operations or Construction.

“Already 12 participants have completed their pre-employment training and are now working at the Downer Group Coal Mine while completing their Certificate II.”

Senator Arbib said the partnership between the Gillard Government, AMBA and the Downer Group Coal Mine was helping to close the gap on employment for Indigenous Australians.

“Closing the gap on Indigenous employment requires a joint effort between Government and private industry. It is fantastic that the Downer Group is so enthusiastic to play its part,” Senator Arbib said.

“In addition to their current employment program, the Downer Group has committed to employ an additional 10 Indigenous job seekers in the near future.

“The new Indigenous employees will provide the mining sector with much need skills and man-power to combat the current skills shortage.”

Senator Arbib said the IEP was part of the Australian Government's commitment to closing the gap on Indigenous employment. 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.