New tool offers resources to enhance awareness of needs of First Nations staff
The Queensland government has launched a new online tool that aims to enhance the awareness of businesses regarding the needs of First Nations staff.
The new First Nations Cultural Responsibility Resource tool offers businesses practical advice on cultural awareness and training to help them foster a supportive workplace environment for First Nations workers and operators, according to the Queensland government.
"The Cultural Capability tool, backed by the Miles Government, is designed to simplify workplace cultural awareness, skills training, and recruitment with an easy-to-follow checklist," said Lance McCallum, Employment and Small Business and Training and Skills Minister, in a statement.
McCallum noted that the tool, which is targeted for small and medium businesses, also seeks to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders so they can maximise training opportunities to set up their own businesses and generate jobs.
"More Queenslanders are in jobs than ever before and we know when employers are supported to build culturally diverse, innovative and inclusive workplaces, businesses thrive," the minister added.
Part of First Nations training strategy
According to the Queensland government, the new tool also aims to help improve the development of positive relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and customers.
The newly launched cultural tool is part of the Queensland government's bigger $8.3-million Frist Nations training strategy, which seeks to support national Closing the Gap targets through education, training, and employment outcomes.
The measures come amid growing calls in Australia to boost employment outcomes for First Nations people amid reports of racism in the workplace, among other issues. In 2022, a report found that only 0.7% of Indigenous Australians hold senior leadership positions within 31 employers.
