Water Corp pushes Indigenous employment

The Water Corporation has become the second state government organisation to sign the Australian Employment Covenant (AEC).

The AEC was set up by Fortescue Metals Group executive director Andrew Forrest in 2008 to help tackle indigenous disadvantage by securing 50,000 sustainable jobs for Indigenous people.

The Water Corporation formally signed a commitment to the industry-led cause to coincide with NAIDOC week celebrations.

Mr Forrest and the Corporation's indigenous trainees were at the ceremony.

Acting chief operating officer, Ross Hughes said the Corporation was very proud to join a 'landmark initiative' between Australian employers, the Australian Government and the Indigenous people.

"We already have a dedicated Indigenous resource section at the Corporation and now we are keen to do even more to help secure the 50,000 sustainable jobs target that is at the heart of the AEC," said Mr Hughes.

"Indigenous culture plays a big role in all areas of our business. Our daily activities have the potential to impact on Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title. We have recognised this and over the last several years we have expanded our Indigenous resource section to ensure we have the capacity to manage these issues effectively," he said.

Mr Forrest complimented the Water Corporation for its participation saying that he was proud of the organisation and the example it had set.

He urged other companies to follow the Corporation by joining the AEC and prepare to stand-up and be counted on this initiative.

"Through this we will get rid of the disparity in our generation," said Mr Forrest.

The other state government organisation involved with the AEC is the Indigenous Land Corporation.

Throughout Australia there are now seven other government organisations also involved and a total of 123 organisations have signed the covenant to date.