Government supports hotel group to boost Indigenous jobs

Minister for Employment Participation Mark Arbib today visited Sofitel Sydney Wentworth to meet some of the 60 Indigenous staff employed by Accor Hotels thanks to support from the Government’s Indigenous Employment Program.

Senator Arbib said Accor had employed the new staff at hotels nationally, full and part-time and as trainees studying Certificate II and III in Hospitality.

“Accor has hired the staff as room attendants, food and beverage attendants, porters, security officers and chefs,” Senator Arbib said.

“The Government has provided almost $440,000 for the employment project which began in July 2009, with the target to employ 70 Indigenous staff before June 2011.

“The funding is helping Accor to implement its objectives under the organisation’s Indigenous Employment Strategy.”

Senator Arbib said the Government had worked with Accor for almost 10 years, employing more than 500 Indigenous staff during that period.

“The Government has worked with Accor over the past 18 months to review the company’s existing Indigenous recruitment and engagement practices and to develop a new national Indigenous Employment Strategy,” Senator Arbib said.

“The strategy is designed to increased sustainable outcomes for Indigenous Australians, as well as strengthening connections with Indigenous communities.

“Accor is focussed on recruitment and attraction strategies, retaining staff, career pathways and business support and sustainability.”

Senator Arbib congratulated companies like Accor for their commitment to boosting Indigenous Employment.

The Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) is a key element of the Government’s commitment to halving the employment gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade. It is part of a $4.6 billion national investment.