Taxpayer-funded paid traineeships --> permanent full-time employment, $71k per year salary, no quals or experience required

GnarlyKnuckles on 27/01/2024 - 22:47

A young relative of mine was alerted via her ‘seek.com.au’ profile that the Australian government-owned company tasked with rolling out the national broadband network, ‘NBN^TM Australia’, is currently offering paid traineeships leading to permanent full-time jobs with a starting salary of $71,116. ‘Seek’ recommended that she apply for the job, based on her qualifications. She was initially astonished to note however, that NBN Australia’s ad stated:

‘We do not require a cover letter or any selection criteria to be addressed.’

Reading on, she was saddened to learn that her initial excitement was premature, and her time had been wasted, because these taxpayer-funded paid traineeships leading to well-paying permanent full-time jobs are only available to aboriginal people.

To the credit of the person who constructed the job ad, they have conveniently listed all (or presumably all) of the various Acts that allow them do blatantly discriminate against the vast majority of Australians based solely on race; despite a widely held (but sadly false) belief that doing so is illegal. In an OzB thread I started many moons ago lamenting the fact that males were being quite legally shut right out of applying for jobs as train drivers (only women were eligible to apply), I had to spend a lot of time convincing peeps that this practice was enshrined in our country, because of these same bizarre sorts of Acts. To negate that happening again, I will include the relevant passage from the ‘Seek’ ad in question below:

The filling of these positions is intended to constitute a special measure under section 31 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), section 27 of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT), section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996 (NT), section 105 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), section 47 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA), section 26 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 (Tas) and section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Additionally, under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), an exemption is given from sections 8, 25 and 51 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to NBN Co Limited to “designate, advertise and recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only for the role of Customer Field Technician Trainee”. These positions are therefore only open to First Nations.

Here is a link to the entire seek.com.au ad:

https://www.seek.com.au/job/73235009?ref=recom-homepage&toke…

I am interested to know what the distribution of attitudes about this legally sanctioned entirely race-based exclusion from training and employment opportunities is among OzBargainers, hence this poll. I was initially thinking of incorporating poll options that differentiated between taxpayer-funded jobs and private enterprise jobs, but that generated too much ‘response cross-over’, so I abandoned that idea.

Lastly, the 100-character limit on response options is extremely restrictive/limiting, and should be abolished. The response options below are ‘oddly worded’ and far from ideal, purely because of this overly restrictive and seemingly pointless character limit.

Poll Options expired

  • 162
    Re job applicants, discrimination based solely on race should be illegal in Australia in any context
  • 16
    Discrimination based solely on race should remain legal in Oz, but only if it benefits aboriginals
  • 6
    Re job applicants, discrimination based solely on race should be legal in Australia in any context
Education & Work

Comments

  • deme on 27/01/2024 - 22:47
    +6

    🍿

  • WoodYouLikeSomeCash on 27/01/2024 - 23:00
    +2

    There are a lot of jobs that are exclusively for Aboriginal people. Take this job in the VIC government paying up to $279K per year for example.

    • Ughhh on 27/01/2024 - 23:42
      +20

      As the Director you will provide leadership and strategic oversight of the Koori Justice Unit, which delivers the Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA) including management of the department's key justice partnership mechanisms with Aboriginal people in Victoria

      It's kinda like being offended or surprised that the head of a Christian church has to be Christian…

      • EightImmortals on 28/01/2024 - 07:27
        +2

        Or the federal health minister be a doctor?

      • markathome on 28/01/2024 - 11:45

        It's kinda like being offended or surprised that the head of a Christian church has to be Christian…

        On that note, I trust I can count on your support at the conclave this November?

    • Nutrino on 27/01/2024 - 23:11

      Well arnt you a sweetheart.

    • Aureus on 27/01/2024 - 23:19
      +4

      But you just made a comment. 🤷

    • Godric on 27/01/2024 - 23:20
      +1

      There's an edit function

    • El cheepo on 27/01/2024 - 23:33
      +3

      I am not going to comment here at all for the first week

      What makes you think this thread will even make it through the night without getting shutdown? 😂

    • SydStrand on 27/01/2024 - 23:51
      +26

      Ah, the good ol' sh^tpost set and forget. There are valid discussions to be had re: 'affirmative action' and race-based hiring; but from your post history, I don't expect anything more than race-baiting and ignorance. I also recall your conspiracy theory whinge post about SD card prices, while ignoring literally every other rational explanation in that thread (spoiler alert: they've continued to drop since that thread in April 2023, thanks, SD card cartel). So… why expect us to engage in more bad-faith discussion now, when you're obviously disinterested?

      • Hardlyworkin on 28/01/2024 - 00:02
        +4

        Wolcometo Sky News after dark with Mr Knuckles. Next weekend's topic will be something to do with trans people.

    • djones145 on 28/01/2024 - 08:34

      sweet gives us an opportunity to give you negative votes :)

    • ihfree on 28/01/2024 - 09:54
      +3

      So trolling then? If not, that's just a bizarre way to interact online.

  • JIMB0 on 27/01/2024 - 23:14
    +1

    $71k per year salary

    Despite the decent salary many would rather sit on welfare where you're not obligated to show up anywhere or do anything.

    • larndis on 28/01/2024 - 08:30
      +3

      Source?

      • JIMB0 on 28/01/2024 - 09:38
        +2

        Worked for a government organisation who were handing out these jobs. Many applicants didn't exactly put their best foot forward for the job, they only applied because they were forced to.

      • SlickMick on 28/01/2024 - 17:29
        +2

        I sat in an an interview waiting room with some people who did not exhibit any interest in making a good impression. An organiser mentioned to me that they have to make every effort to prefer "them" for the position… including offering free classes to make up any shortfalls in their capabilities. Every one of them left before the end of the interview process.
        I assume they need to pretend to make an effort to find a job, to keep the handouts coming.

  • El cheepo on 27/01/2024 - 23:31
    +6

    They are just meeting quotas to look good on paper and talk about how inclusive they are.

    I wonder how many people will apply and claim to be x/x aboriginal whilst having no blood relatives of aboriginal decent?

    • AustriaBargain on 28/01/2024 - 00:51
      -1

      Don't you need an elder to verify you? If you didn't even grow up in an aboriginal community I doubt any elder would approve you. And if you grew up in an Indigenous household or community then you probably grew up disadvantaged.

      • El cheepo on 28/01/2024 - 01:11
        +2

        I couldn’t say for sure, its not something I’ve ever done, just something I’ve heard of people i know doing.

        But I would be pretty surprised if any government agency was willing to probe too deeply and risk bad publicity/backlash getting it wrong.

        • AustriaBargain on 28/01/2024 - 01:16
          +4

          I think every country that was colonised has similar stories. White girls claiming to be an Indian princess and such. I don't know how common it really is. And you really will have white looking people whose family lineage goes back in marginalised Indigenous households for generations. It's not about how brown you look, it's about how disadvantaged you are due to a racist society. If you look white but you grow up in a remote area, or your parents don't have degrees, don't benefit from intergenerational wealth, parents living with the effects of overt and covert racism their whole lives, then you are very much disadvantaged compared to the average person.

        • larndis on 28/01/2024 - 08:36

          You definitely have to prove you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander to apply for ABSTUDY, and I expect the same is true for these identified employment opportunities.

      • EightImmortals on 28/01/2024 - 07:29
        +5

        I thought it was a box you ticked?
        Besides, if I identify as aboriginal who are you to say other wise? Did you just assume my race?

        • AustriaBargain on 28/01/2024 - 07:39

          Do you identify as Indigenous?

          • EightImmortals on 28/01/2024 - 07:41
            +5

            @AustriaBargain: Absolutely, I was born here.

            • AustriaBargain on 28/01/2024 - 07:47
              +1

              @EightImmortals: Then go for this job. May need to get a declaration from an Elder that knows you, but that shouldn't be a problem for an Indigenous person like yourself.

              • EightImmortals on 28/01/2024 - 07:52
                +5

                @AustriaBargain: Easy-peasy, I know a guy who identifies as one of those too!

                • AustriaBargain on 28/01/2024 - 08:05

                  @EightImmortals: Sounds like nothing is stopping you from getting Indigenous jobs then.

                  • EightImmortals on 28/01/2024 - 08:31

                    @AustriaBargain: I'm too lazy to apply. :)
                    On the other hand I don't take any government money either jic someone was wondering.

                    • larndis on 28/01/2024 - 08:39
                      +4

                      @EightImmortals: You don't accept Medicare rebates? What about tax offsets? Do you drive on roads, use Australia Post or attend public hospitals? Do you insist on paying the private price for prescriptions?

                      • EightImmortals on 28/01/2024 - 11:11
                        -3

                        @larndis: I said I don't take government money.

                        Tax offsets? Do you mean in what ways to I minimise the amount of money that government takes from me?

                        "You don't accept Medicare rebates? "

                        I rarely go to the doctor, but sure, isn't that what our taxes pay for?

                        "Do you drive on roads.."

                        The roads my rego fees and petrol taxes pay for? Sure.

                        "use Australia Post "

                        Of course, and I pay them every time. Do some people get free postage?

                        "attend public hospitals?"

                        Nope. But if I did, again, that's what my medicare fees are for isn't it?

                        "Do you insist on paying the private price for prescriptions?"

                        I don't know what that is? In the rare occasion I have to get one I just pay whatever they ask me to? I believe it's a bit cheaper for OAP's though?

                        • larndis on 28/01/2024 - 20:01
                          -1

                          @EightImmortals: If you do those things you do take government money, whether you are aware of it/accept it or not

                    • AustriaBargain on 28/01/2024 - 08:57
                      +1

                      @EightImmortals: No man is an island. Even Ayn Rand took her government pension in old age.

      • Mythreesons on 28/01/2024 - 11:42
        +3

        What an idiotic remark to make, my children were not disadvantaged in any way. My eldest and youngest went to (one still currently there) University. We don’t live in bark huts, we live in houses just like you, attend the same public schools as everyone else’s kids. My kids have the same opportunities as every other child and have chosen to make the most of it, they will be paying off their uni fees because we couldn’t afford to pay up front.
        The main problem in Australia is everyone believes everything they see on tv.
        Can you explain why, “And if you grew up in an Indigenous household or community then you probably grew up disadvantaged.”, you think this is a true statement.

        • larndis on 28/01/2024 - 20:06

          Note the statement included the word 'probably'. If you have data (beyond personal anecdotes) that shows First Nations Australians are not disadvantaged, on average, in comparison to non-First Nations Australians I am very happy to look at it.

          • Mythreesons on 15/02/2024 - 22:58

            @larndis: Should I have stated that my children are First Nation people.

            • larndis on 16/02/2024 - 08:11

              @Mythreesons: That's not data though, just your personal experience. Your experience is valid but not necessarily representative of the broader First Nations experience. The available data shows that on many important indicators, outcomes for First Nations Australians are significantly below the Australian average (i.e. more disadvantaged).

  • Iwantthebestprice on 27/01/2024 - 23:39
    +6

    I thought the voice was voted down… but here we are!

    • EightImmortals on 28/01/2024 - 07:31
      +1

      It was, they don't care and pushing forward anyway. The states tried it on within 2 days of the referendum but got told to pull their heads in….for now. I suspect they'll just reword some stuff and go through the tradies entrance like they usually do when a referendum doesn't go their way and hope nobody notices.

      • pinsanity on 28/01/2024 - 16:27
        +2

        It will be enacted at State level regardless that is already guaranteed.

        The model is basically a replication of what the Voice proposal was nationally minus the Constitutional amendment.

        SA is the guinea pig with other States to follow - only Aboriginals can nominate and only Aboriginals can vote in it.

        https://savoiceelection.sa.gov.au/

        If you thought the first half of this decade was clown world, wait until the second half.

        • EightImmortals on 28/01/2024 - 16:36

          I urge people to read the whole document if they think this attempt was benign in may way.

      • larndis on 28/01/2024 - 20:09
        +1

        Umm, 'like they usually do when a referendum doesn't go their way'??

        Specifically which referendums are you referring to?

        • EightImmortals on 29/01/2024 - 08:37
          +1

          How about the one where we voted about local government but they ignored us and concocted the 'local government' acts (under state government) anyway?

          The 1988 one was here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_Australian_referendum_(Local_Government)

          The 1974 one seems even dodgier in that it was to allow the federal government to lend money directly to local governments (ok) but also to BORROW money on 'their behalf'. Yeah sure Jan.

          There's a whole bunch of others I have investigated, you can read the list here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_Australian_referendum_(Local_Government)

          Anyway, the current situation was the bigger concern, we only voted a couple of months ago and now the states are already conniving to push their agenda anyway.

    • umyeahokay on 28/01/2024 - 13:47
      +4

      WTF does a job ad have to do with a voice to parliament??

      • pinsanity on 28/01/2024 - 16:46
        +1

        It's a microcosm as to where this country is heading.

        Considering how 60% of the country voted 3 months ago more people need to made aware of this and for it to be discussed.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 27/01/2024 - 23:40

    Tell your relative to skill up and get a better paying job.

  • Benoffie on 27/01/2024 - 23:40
    +6

    Meanwhile, rates of unemployment for disabled people in Australia are still astronomical and they are disproportionately overqualified….

  • Pcosmic on 27/01/2024 - 23:57
    -8

    They took their land and now you're crying about jobs?

  • Hardlyworkin on 27/01/2024 - 23:59
    -5

    How was your balaclava wearing train ride into Sydney yesterday with your mates?

  • brendanm on 28/01/2024 - 00:49
    +3

    Apply anyway, they wont be asking for proof.

  • AustriaBargain on 28/01/2024 - 00:50
    +1

    I think such initiatives are good. We really (profanity) over Indigenous Australians over the last few hundred years, handing them good jobs on a silver platter is the least we can do really. We need to ramp up the NBN upgrade too so it's a job worth doing.

    • vaporwave on 28/01/2024 - 12:01
      +7

      exactly. statistically speaking Indigenous Australian's have the short end of the stick where it matters, on things like life expectancy, health outcomes and financial success. we live in a world where your postcode and parents educational status/job is the biggest statistical indicator of your success, so I think it is our duty as a society to offer a hand to those that grew up disadvantaged or struggling to get a job which realistically at 70k isn't exactly the big bucks, so they can hopefully bring up children that don't have that cycle of poverty and disadvantage.

      • brendanm on 28/01/2024 - 12:19
        +1

        isn't exactly the big bucks,

        It's above the median wage, and with zero experience.

        • AustriaBargain on 28/01/2024 - 12:32

          70k is still well below the average wage for a full-time worker, however. Meaning divide all wages across all full time workers and the average is much more than 70k. You'd really begrudge an Indigenous person less than their fair share of all wages?

          • brendanm on 28/01/2024 - 12:38
            +2

            @AustriaBargain: Herp derp, learn about average and median.

            You'd really begrudge an Indigenous person less than their fair share of all wages?

            Lazy and poor argument. The people earning higher incomes have skills. People with low skills generally have low pay. This role requires zero skill. They get their "fair share" when they do the same work as everyone else.

            • vaporwave on 28/01/2024 - 13:49

              @brendanm: Work skill/effort =/= pay. Pay is only indicative of how easy your skills are to replace. I'd hardly say that a tradie whos out working rolling out the NBN deserves less pay than some middle manager that spends most their time in meetings or chatting to their team about the latest sports scores.

              • brendanm on 28/01/2024 - 13:51

                @vaporwave:

                I'd hardly say that a tradie whos out working rolling out the NBN deserves less pay than some middle manager

                Sure, once they have the skill. This is paying people a skilled wage, but with no skill. Anyone else working an unskilled job, or learning on the job, is getting minimum wage, or less, in the case of an apprenticeship.

      • sakurashu on 01/02/2024 - 14:50
        +2

        Poor non-indigenous australians also have worse outcomes in all of the criteria mentioned?
        To me that then sounds like you agree this shouldn't be race-based and we should be assisting all who grew up disadvantaged/struggling

  • twadds on 28/01/2024 - 01:11
    +6

    You should let your young female relative know that they also offer the same position with the same salary and benefits to women.

    https://www.seek.com.au/job/72802090?type=standout&ref=searc…

    • AustriaBargain on 28/01/2024 - 01:29
      +3

      Yeah, how long ago was it that women weren't even allowed to vote, let alone choose a career in any field they want. Sounds like the female relative wants to pull the ladder up after herself.

      • pinsanity on 28/01/2024 - 15:07
        +1

        1902 at the National level - Do you know many 122 year old women who are currently looking for employment?

  • screensaver on 28/01/2024 - 06:35
    +1

    I applied for a job cleaning trains and couldnt get an entry level job, even though I topped the written exam. They made us write our dob on the test paper, which is illegal. Was I ever peed off. Fortunately then covid hit and we got extra job seeker money.

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 28/01/2024 - 08:02
    -5

    this has been the case for over a decade

    people need to stop believing the narrative 1st nations people are dis-advantaged by the system. In actual fact they're probably the most over-privileged race on the planet - they get special access and priority to almost everything important in life ie housing, interest free loans, hecs free uni, health care etc

    the ones who are dis-advantaged dont live anywhere near the city but the ABC and the left wingers want the world to believe we're;
    'taking away their children and killing their men' - Greens Senator Lydia Thorpe

    • larndis on 28/01/2024 - 08:42

      What the hell are you talking about? Maybe try reading the latest Closing the Gap report.

      • Trying2SaveABuck on 28/01/2024 - 09:13
        -1

        Im unsure what is your point there are opinions and then there are facts

        1st nations have more privileges then ordinary Australians

        More money is spent on them

        As for the gap it has been reported on for 30 plus years yet despite every advantage you can get billions in funding it isnt closing

        This has only 2 concolusions, either reports are being fabricated or the money and privileges aren't helping either or the 'fact' is they are privileged beyond anyone else in this country and i'd say any other race on the planet. - the only people who have similar or perhaps better privileges are American Indians, Monacans (population 9k) and certain gulf/arabic nations if you are a citizen ie UAE/Saudie etc.

        There is a reason so many voted against the voice and it is because they are sick of all the mis-information regarding 1st nations and benefits - the big issue now is the resistance from 1st nations MPs (ie alleged crook MPs like Pearson) into a commission into 1st nations spending makes it look like the money isnt going to where it should be…

        personally think the extra benefits needs to stop and we (Aus citizens) should all be treated the same - regardless of if your ancestors have been here for 1 generation or 100

        • AustriaBargain on 28/01/2024 - 12:35
          +4

          The big issue now is organising and spreading hate to prevent Indigenous people from ever being elected to government? Jesus H Christ dude….

          • Trying2SaveABuck on 28/01/2024 - 12:42
            +1

            @AustriaBargain: Im not expert on personal relations

            Maybe stop protesting everything for no reason

            Defacing historic land marks

            Pushing Signs saying things like f—k Australia

            And stop simply lying about the situation saying Australia is killing your men and taking you children?

            Perhaps appreciate the fact your are privileged….tax payers fund things like free uni, interest free loans etc

            There is no hate to 1st nations but people just point out facts they are beneficiaries of the very system they seem to hate on

            • AustriaBargain on 28/01/2024 - 12:45
              -1

              @Trying2SaveABuck: I'm gonna vote number 1 any Indigenous candidate at the next election, just to stick it in your craw.

              • Trying2SaveABuck on 28/01/2024 - 12:49
                -1

                @AustriaBargain: Lmao good for you ive got nothing against candidates based on their race - im not a racist like you

                Personally I be all for J.Price going into the lower house and running for PM

        • larndis on 28/01/2024 - 20:17
          +3

          @Trying2SaveABuck: I'm sorry you feel you are missing out on the mythical First Nations gravy train. Maybe try to focus your energy on something else.

    • Hardlyworkin on 28/01/2024 - 08:51
      -2

      Senator Hanson has entered the chat.

      • prodrome on 28/01/2024 - 08:56
        -2

        She can type? I had no idea she was that skilled.

        • LFO on 28/01/2024 - 11:49

          Blind monkeys type too … spelling is a different skill.

    • Ughhh on 28/01/2024 - 09:14
      +2

      I assume the purpose of those benefits was to tackle this.
      Op job perhaps Encouraging an honest living instead of crime, one at a time.

      • Trying2SaveABuck on 28/01/2024 - 09:18
        -4

        Didnt they do a study to prove that every single death and incarceration due to the person who was arrested fault or the 1st nations communities ie assaults, drug over doses, alcohol poisoning etc…. - if anything 1st nations tend to be given lighter sentences and get away with committing crimes more the rest of the population
        Funny how the media only tell you half a story lmao

        • Ughhh on 28/01/2024 - 10:21
          +2

          Huh? What you said doesnt make sense. You're only spitting out half the words. You ok?

          • Trying2SaveABuck on 28/01/2024 - 11:26
            -1

            @Ughhh: Triggered

            • Ughhh on 28/01/2024 - 12:30
              +1

              @Trying2SaveABuck: Huh, I'm confused, but amused, not triggered. You're terrible at judging feelings.

              Has something triggered a stroke in you?

              A similar comeback at your level would be like "hangry".

              • Trying2SaveABuck on 28/01/2024 - 17:04
                -2

                @Ughhh: Very triggered

                • Ughhh on 28/01/2024 - 17:41
                  +1

                  @Trying2SaveABuck: Im sorry I upset you.

                  • Trying2SaveABuck on 28/01/2024 - 19:59

                    @Ughhh: im not the one who has run out of negs for the day ;-]

                    • Ughhh on 28/01/2024 - 20:25

                      @Trying2SaveABuck: Lol making silly assumptions?

                      Here have a neg for your humour. Obviously other people's have upset you enough to notice.

                      • Trying2SaveABuck on 28/01/2024 - 20:26
                        -2

                        @Ughhh: triggered =]

                        maybe you can neg me tomorrow

                        • Ughhh on 28/01/2024 - 20:27

                          @Trying2SaveABuck: I'm amused at how easily triggered you are.
                          I've obviously said something that upset and triggered you.

                          May I suggest you focus on things that make you happy, rather than counting negs?

    • Mythreesons on 28/01/2024 - 11:52
      +4

      So not true.
      If you have any more information on these interest free loans I would be very interested, my car is on its last legs and there is only so much overtime I can do.
      Also two of my children would like to know how to get rid of their HECS fees. They tried unsuccessfully to get scholarships.
      Also that free health care is so booked out that we actually have to pay to see a doctor when we are sick, that free health care provides us a yearly health check up, also my husband has been on a waiting list for over 2 years for a dental check up ( in that time he has paid to go to dentist multiple times).
      Lydia Thorpe is a professional activist, who’s only skills are spreading hatred and causing trouble.

  • payless69 on 28/01/2024 - 09:38
    +2

    Just out today: A ruling from the Dutch exclaiming they were never bad colonizers.
    Sadly this job ad was written by a person who favours division rather than inclusion. Really sad.

  • randomusername2017 on 28/01/2024 - 10:04

    @GnarlyKnuckles

  • LFO on 28/01/2024 - 11:47

    And yet ingratitude and recrimination was very much present on the 26th of January …

    The more you give the more is demanded.

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