A $300,000 investment by the Gillard Government will help 16 Indigenous Australians on the Gold Coast study towards careers in the healthcare sector. A media release by Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Julie Collins says the federal government's Indigenous Employment Program helps Indigenous Australians receive accredited training employment in the healthcare sector.

According to Ms. Collins, the 16 participants have joined the Community Support Agency Nursing Education and Training Program. "Participants will undertake a diploma in nursing qualification with King’s International College School of Nursing, which includes a vocational clinical placement." 

Following their completion of the course, the students will receive national recognition and registration as nurses, and they will be provided with assistance to find employment.

"This initiative will create long-term jobs for Indigenous Australians," says Ms. Collins. "The local healthcare industry will benefit from dedicated, skilled workers who can provide culturally appropriate health services for Indigenous people in Queensland."

The Gillard Government has invested almost $650 million in the Indigenous Employment Program and $50 million in the Indigenous Youth Careers Pathway Program in an effort to increase employment opportunities and support for Indigenous Australians.

"This is part of our target to create more than 100,000 jobs for Indigenous Australians by 2018," says Ms. Collins.