The First Nations Reference Group for the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program held its third meeting today.
The Remote Jobs and Economic Development program will create 3,000 jobs in remote Australia, to help close the gap in employment outcomes and boost economic opportunities.
Members heard from representatives from Cape York Partnership, Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation and Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corp about what success looks like in their communities. The Group considered the unique aspects of many remote communities and discussed how the Program needs to be flexible so that remote communities all over Australia can benefit.
The Group also discussed how the National Indigenous Australians Agency and its regional network can support organisations to identify opportunities for new jobs in different communities around Australia, support the sharing of information with community, and assist organisations to apply for jobs. Members then considered how the supporting Community Jobs and Business Fund could be best structured to ensure that capital or seed funding is available to turn new jobs proposals into reality.
The NIAA sought feedback from Members on its communication products and planning for next phase of consultation on the Program. The Group reiterated for the program to be successful, the requirements of the jobseeker and communities need to be at the forefront of the design process and the importance of having a range of opportunities in-person and online for people to contribute through the consultation process to understand their views.
Members heard from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations about future reforms to Workforce Australia and steps the Commonwealth can take to encourage innovation among employment service providers to better support job seekers.
Details on future consultation processes will be announced shortly. Information about planned consultations and design parameters for the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program will continue to be available at Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 7 May 2024