Jobs and training opportunities will be offered to Indigenous job seekers under the Two Way Street Indigenous Employment Program.

The Gillard Government’s employment scheme will make offers to 90 Indigenous job seekers in the Bendigo, Echuca, Sunraysia, mid-Murray and Ballarat regions.

Member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons said the Gillard Government’s Indigenous Employment Program would support the scheme with $900000 in funds.

CVGT Employment and Training will run the program, Mr Gibbons said.

“CVGT’s program involved helping the most disadvantaged job seekers in preparation for sustainable employment and educating industry about the many advantages of recruiting Indigenous job seekers,” Mr Gibbons said.

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Mark Arbib said at least 60 job seekers will be placed in sustainable jobs.

“Over the next four years, the Australian Government has committed almost $650 million to the Indigenous Employment Program and $50 million to the Indigenous Youth Careers Pathway Program,” Mr Arbib said.

According to Mr Arbib, the participants will receive personalised mentoring and training support to overcome any barriers faced entering employment.

“More than 150 employers across these regions will also be targeted, with the aim of promoting the benefits of employing Indigenous Australians,” Mr Arbib said.

Mr Arbib said Federal Treasury estimated that 500000 jobs would be created over the next two years and the government’s goal is to create more than 100000 jobs for Indigenous Australians by 2018.