Mr HAASE (2:17 PM) —My question is addressed to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Would the minister inform the House of any achievements in providing assistance to Indigenous job seekers within the government's Indigenous employment policy? What does this success mean for job opportunities for Indigenous people?

Mr ABBOTT (Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service) —I thank the member for Kalgoorlie for inquiring about a good news story for Indigenous Australians. Certainly, this is good news about more jobs for Indigenous people. One of the reasons for the very high level of unemployment amongst Indigenous people is their general lack of paper credentials and qualifications, and risk-averse employers' standard reluctance to give Aboriginal workers a chance to have a go. I can report that, with respect to the Argyle Diamond Mine in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, the percentage of Aboriginal workers has gone up from under four per cent—

Mr Latham —We can feel another footnote coming on!

The SPEAKER —The member for Werriwa!

Mr ABBOTT —to over 14 per cent in just two years. The member for Werriwa is putting his foot in it! At Rio Tinto, the parent company, the number of Indigenous workers has increased from under 100 to nearly 500 in just six years. There are two factors in this success: first, the local Aboriginal community has nominated suitable candidates for the jobs available; second, and most importantly, rather than consider formal resumes, the company has employed all the Indigenous candidates on a trial basis to give them a chance to demonstrate what they can do in the place that really counts—the workplace. I would certainly encourage other employers to study and copy this approach. It is true that Australian business is keener than ever before to help Aboriginal people. Already, some 64 significant Australian businesses have joined the government's Corporate Leaders for Indigenous Employment program. I would encourage more to do so and to take advantage of assistance of up to $10,000 per worker per year for Indigenous traineeships.

It is hard to truly participate in modern Australia without a job. If businesses want to help in the task of practical reconciliation, here is a very simple and straightforward way to help. Argyle mine and Rio Tinto, more generally, are showing Australian business how to succeed.