The Minister for Indigenous Affairs has hosted a group of 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Australia paying a visit to Canberra to learn more about working for the Australian Public Service.
The students were in the national capital as part of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Work Exposure in Government (WEX) program.
The Minister, Senator Nigel Scullion, hosted the students at a breakfast in Parliament House and spoke of the importance of contributing to the future of Australia through public service.
“There are so many great job opportunities available with the Australian Government,” Senator Scullion told his young guests.
“I think sometimes the Public Service has a reputation for being a little boring for young people as a career pathway — but it is far from it,” he said.
“During WEX each year, I meet amazingly talented young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and to hear the stories of what they go on to achieve is humbling.”
He said that many had joined the Indigenous Australian Government Development Program or the Indigenous Apprenticeships Program and had worked all over Australia, including in regional and remote locations.
“You never know where a career in the Public Service might take you,” he said.
“WEX participants could go on to be Indigenous Rangers, work on overseas postings, in the heart of Sydney or up at Parliament House.
“The WEX program gives young people career advice on the opportunities available to them as a Government employee and showcases the magnificent Canberra cultural institutions and exciting places to work — such as the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Defence Force Academy.”
He said the Public Service needed hard-working and smart Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in its ranks now, more than ever.
