Indigenous Employment – Hiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff

Partnering with ETC to Support First Nations Employment

ETC works with businesses across NSW and QLD to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. We help employers build culturally inclusive workplaces, connect with job-ready candidates, and access government incentives — all while making a meaningful impact in the community.

In today’s competitive labour market, standing out as an employer of choice is more important than ever. Skills shortages, an ageing workforce, and increased competition for talent mean businesses need to think differently. One powerful way to strengthen your workforce and reputation is by embracing diversity.

ETC can help you understand the benefits of hiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and guide you through the support available – including recruitment assistance, mentoring, training, and wage subsidies.

---

Supporting First Nations Employment in Your Business

Employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people brings valuable perspectives, experience, and cultural knowledge to your workplace. It strengthens cross-cultural awareness, enhances community engagement, and contributes to a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

At ETC, we partner with employers to make First Nations employment accessible, sustainable, and impactful.

Why Partner with ETC?

By working with ETC, your business can benefit from:

• Access to job-ready Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates
• Support with employment incentives and wage subsidies
• Assistance with uniforms, PPE, training, and certificates
• Free coaching, mentoring, and ongoing support
• Guidance on creating culturally inclusive workplaces

Our Indigenous Employment Officers are part of the communities we serve and have strong connections with candidates and employers across NSW and QLD.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees can enhance your business by providing different perspectives, experience and knowledge. They can contribute to cross-cultural awareness in your workplace, which is important when communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and engaging with the local community.

Programs and Incentives for Employers

There are several government programs designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and retention. ETC can help you navigate these opportunities, including:

• Wage subsidies and training support
• Aboriginal Participation Strategy – encouraging employers to increase First Nations workforce representation
• Aboriginal Participation in Construction (APIC) – supporting greater Aboriginal involvement in NSW government construction projects

We also assist larger companies in meeting their Aboriginal Participation Plan targets through tailored recruitment and support services.

Aboriginal Participation Strategy

The Australian Government has implemented a range of strategies to reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander unemployment and improve long-term staff retention. These initiatives encourage employers to actively build First Nations participation within their workforce.

For larger organisations, this may include developing Aboriginal Participation Plans, which outline targets for hiring and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. One example is the Aboriginal Participation in Construction (APIC) policy, which promotes greater First Nations involvement in NSW Government construction projects.

At ETC, we work in partnership with employers to help meet these targets and build culturally inclusive workplaces. Our Indigenous Employment Officers — who are members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities — bring strong local connections and deep cultural understanding to support both employers and job seekers.

Learn more about ETC’s partnership with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia & the National Indigenous Training Academy >

---

ETC’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy

ETC is proud to contribute to closing the economic gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians through two key initiatives:

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Our RAP outlines practical actions that help us:

• Build stronger engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Recognise and support their strengths, skills, and contributions to ETC and our communities
• Foster inclusive, respectful, and sustainable communities

In 2025, ETC proudly celebrates 10 years of RAP commitment — a decade of learning, growth, and meaningful partnerships. Watch our 10 Years of RAP video below to see how far we’ve come and the impact of our reconciliation journey.

ETC’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy

This internal strategy guides our approach to:

• Recruitment, retention, and career development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
• Creating culturally safe and inclusive workplaces
• Supporting long-term employment outcomes

Together, these documents reflect ETC’s Vision, Mission, and values — and our commitment to reconciliation in action.

Develop your Reconciliation Action Plan

ETC encourages other employers to develop a RAP through Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Framework.

A RAP is a strategic document that complements your business plan and helps:

• Strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Improve service delivery and workplace culture
• Promote community harmony and inclusion

Reconciliation Australia provides guidance, feedback, and endorsement to ensure your RAP meets national standards. Endorsed RAPs can use the official RAP logo and branding.

Learn more about RAP’s and how to develop one > Reconciliation Australia website

ETC also encourages employers to develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy – an internal document that supports workforce diversity and cultural awareness. There are many online templates and examples available to help guide your approach.