What is the Indigenous Local Employment Fund (ILEF)?
In May 2021, the NIAA established the Indigenous Local Employment Fund (ILEF) under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS). ILEF aimed to provide a response to short term, one-off funding proposals up to $250,000 (ex GST) to help First Nations communities overcome obstacles facing Indigenous job seekers in accessing local employment opportunities and provide pathways into short term labour markets, particularly where COVID-19 had a significant impact on job opportunities. This program has now ended.
What types of activities were supported by ILEF?
ILEF funding was available for activities that addresses barriers facing First Nations job seekers and to meet particular needs in local areas. ILEF encouraged innovative solutions to help overcome obstacles facing job seekers and employers in COVID-19 affected labour markets. Examples of projects under the ILEF included, but were not limited to:
- service providers to source and match First Nations job seekers to short-term employment placements;
- qualified mentors to motivate and support First Nations participants as they commenced employment;
- qualified First Nations or non- First Nations facilitators / coordinators who provided short-term guidance to First Nations work teams and cross-cultural communication between stakeholders;
- providing training and upskilling for First Nations job seekers (including qualifications for a specific job, drivers’ licence acquisition; personal and career development; life skills and money management);
- health and safety support for First Nations job seekers, which included mental well-being, nutrition awareness and costs associated with COVID-19 workplace plans;
- transport, accommodation, catering or other practical support for First Nations job seekers as they commenced employment;
- cultural competency training for workplaces; and
- small scale capital works and the purchase of equipment to assist First Nations job seekers commence work or receive training - if the need was well demonstrated (for example, if the hire cost exceeded the purchase price).
What was the value of the grant?
The minimum amount per grant was $5,000 (GST exclusive) and the maximum amount was $250,000 (GST exclusive).
When was the program active?
Applications for ILEF funding were available until 31 December 2021. All ILEF activities ceased on 30 June 2023.