The Albanese Labor Government is investing funding to support job opportunities, economic development and promote self-determination and choice in former Cashless Debit Card program sites.
Two initiatives from Ceduna will be the first to benefit from the Community-led Solutions Economic Development (CSED) grant opportunity, sharing in a total of almost $10.5 million.
The organisations to receive funding are:
- Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation ($6 million) - to provide a purpose-built cultural facility improving Aboriginal people's economic and social wellbeing, and;
- Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, working in partnership with Southern Launch ($4.479 million) - to invest in the construction of a permanent rocket launch facility and space observatory on Koonibba Community lands, creating enduring income, jobs, training and two new economic streams through space launch and tourism.
The CSED was established in response to feedback and advocacy from community leaders seeking to break the cycle of welfare dependence by providing pathways to employment.
Up to $23 million will be available across former Cashless Debit Card program sites.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the Government was investing in community-led capital and infrastructure projects to help create self-sustaining and ongoing local job opportunities.
"The selected organisations will provide pathways to jobs, from small infrastructure projects, to on the job training, and employment opportunities in the day-to-day operations of new infrastructure," Minister Rishworth said.
"Such projects will strengthen economic development, build individual capacity, and promote self-determination and choice for First Nations people and their communities. We will continue to work with local communities across Australia to ensure people are supported, and individual community needs are met."
Minister Rishworth said the other successful initiatives in former Cashless Debit Card sites would be announced in coming days.
"The Albanese Labor Government has delivered on our commitment to abolish the mandatory Cashless Debit Card program and remove restrictions on how social security recipients spend their payments," Minister Rishworth said.
"We've delivered a long term and fully funded plan to ensure certainty, choice and support to communities moving off the CDC program and this grant opportunity is a part of that."
A second tranche of targeted funding will also be available from next financial year to progress further economic opportunities and initiatives with key organisations in former Cashless Debit Card program sites.
