More than 3,100 people across 200 remote communities have had their say about the design and delivery of the Albanese Labor Government’s new Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program.
The RJED program marks the first stage of delivering on the Albanese Government’s commitment to replace the failed Community Development Program (CDP).
Consultations were held between April and July this year and sought perspectives from remote community members and leaders, job seekers, employers, Community Development Program participants and providers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations, council members and others from within the 60 current CDP regions.
Their insights will help shape the final design of the new program, which is set to launch later this year.
The Remote Jobs and Economic Development program will kickstart the creation of 3,000 new jobs over the next 3 years, with proper wages and decent conditions.
This latest round of consultations builds on lessons learned through current job trials that are testing new approaches to remote employment.
Thanks to one of the jobs trials, Jaru woman, Nathalia Rose Imberlong, is working in a role created at Waringarri Media Aboriginal Corporation in Kununurra, Western Australia, as a broadcaster and administration clerk.
To read the consultation summary and full report, visit: niaa.gov.au/rjed-consultations
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Remote communities know what jobs they want and need, and listening to these perspectives on the ground is vital to deliver a successful remote jobs program.
“The consultation report reiterates the importance of a jobs program that is flexible and caters for cultural needs and the unique circumstances of remote communities.
“This program has the ability to change the narrative around remote employment and show the impact a job can have when it’s the right job, with the right purpose in the right place.”
Quotes attributable to Jaru woman, Nathalia Rose Imberlong, a participant in the New Jobs Program Trial:
“I enjoy every moment coming to work as it is delightful and gratifying and I feel satisfaction when others enjoy or are encouraged as much as I am within this industry.
“I’m part of a deadly team and something that matters – working towards making a difference in the community. I enjoy making a change whilst uniting and empowering others to have a voice and say.
“I feel very proud of myself for working here or having any job for that matter because it gives me purpose to get up every morning, knowing I am doing something that I enjoy and am passionate about.”