Minister for Indigenous Australians
The first round of grants is now open for the Albanese Labor Government's new Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program, that will create up to 3,000 jobs over three years in remote Australia.
The $707 million program will create much needed jobs in remote areas with real pay and decent conditions, including superannuation and leave entitlements.
Eligible employers in remote areas can now apply for grants to employ local job seekers.
The new jobs will be identified by communities and provide meaningful work for employees and employers.
Employers can also apply for funding through the program for equipment, infrastructure and costs to support the jobs they'd like to create. This could pay for things like uniforms, on-the-job training, insurances or operating expenses.
The RJED program is about building strong and sustainable remote job markets that align with community needs, and ensuring jobs are flexible, fair and focused on the long-term success of employees and their communities.
Developed in consultation with the First Nations Reference Group, the RJED program was tested through community consultations and modelled through job trials in more than 300 communities across the country.
In remote Queensland, Taneeka Palmer, a Bwgcolman woman with Kaanju and Erub/Kalkadoon heritage, is one of 20 new community service workers with Palm Island Community Company.
"I feel confident in this role, thanks to a huge support system behind me, that continues to help me witness and experience the greater purpose of the role for myself, my peers and my community," says Taneeka who is passionate about developing leadership and community development skills.
In remote Western Australia, Patrick Harry, a Warmun man from the East Kimberley has embraced one of 10 farm and livestock roles at Glen Hill Pastoral Aboriginal Corporation, after three years of unemployment.
"Working on my own Country means everything to me. This project isn't just a job for me, it's a way to rebuild my confidence, provide for my family, and show my kids and grandkids that hard work pays off," says the grandfather of seven.
In remote South Australia, Richard Lennon-Lawrie, a Mirning man is thriving in his role as a full-time ranger with Far West Coast Investments, learning and working on Country.
"Now that we're full-time, we can do more of the office-based jobs as well - like reporting, maintenance on cars, we can organise our own daytrips, doing our own surveys and patrols," says Richard.
In remote Northern Territory, Warlpiri man Joseph Shannon from Tennant Creek has been passionate about music for as long as he can remember and is now a casual team member at Winanjjikari Music Centre, through Barkly Regional Arts.
"I feel great, happy, something to do every day. I like coming to work, learning to set up the PA system. I'm always learning something new and also getting to play music."
Taneeka, Patrick, Richard and Joseph's stories demonstrate how funding the right job in the right place can give people dignity in work.
The first grant round will run from today until February, ahead of a second grant round opening.
The RJED program is the first step in replacing the Community Development Program (CDP), with the second stage being the design and delivery of a new remote employment service to support people who are currently looking for work or may need help to get job-ready, with the skills and resources they need.
